Core Python Programming

12.4. Importing Modules

Importing a module requires the use of the import statement, whose syntax is:

						import
						module1[, module2[, … moduleN]]

When this statement is encountered by the interpreter, the module is imported if found in the search path. Scoping rules apply, so if imported from the top-level of a module, it has global scope; if imported from a function, it has local scope.

When a module is imported the first time, it is loaded and executed.

12.4.1. Module “Executed” When Loaded

One effect of loading a module is that the imported module is “executed,” that is, the top-level portion of the imported module is directly executed. This usually includes setting up of global variables as well as performing the class and function declarations, ...