How to Import Files From a Different Folder in Python (2024)

  • Method 1: Adding the Folder to the System Path
  • Method 2: Using the Relative Path
  • Best Practices
  • Alternative Ideas

Table of Contents

To import files from different folders in Python, you can use the following methods:

Method 1: Adding the Folder to the System Path

One way to import files from a different folder is to add the folder to the system path. The system path is a list of directories where Python looks for modules to import. By adding the folder to the system path, you can import modules from that folder as if they were in the current directory.

Here’s how you can add a folder to the system path:

import syssys.path.append('/path/to/folder')

Replace /path/to/folder with the actual path to the folder you want to import from.

After adding the folder to the system path, you can import modules from that folder using the import statement:

import module_name

Replace module_name with the name of the module you want to import.

Related Article: String Comparison in Python: Best Practices and Techniques

Method 2: Using the Relative Path

Another way to import files from a different folder is to use the relative path. The relative path specifies the location of the file relative to the current script or module.

For example, if you have the following folder structure:

project/ main.py folder/ module.py

To import module.py from main.py, you can use the following import statement:

from folder import module

This imports the module.py file from the folder folder.

If the file you want to import is in a parent folder, you can use the .. notation to go up one level in the folder hierarchy. For example, if you have the following folder structure:

project/ main.py folder/ module.py utils/ helper.py

To import helper.py from module.py, you can use the following import statement:

from ..utils import helper

This imports the helper.py file from the utils folder, which is one level up from the folder folder.

Best Practices

When importing files from different folders in Python, it is important to follow some best practices to ensure maintainability and readability of your code:

1. Use meaningful module and package names: Give your modules and packages descriptive names that accurately reflect their functionality. This will make it easier to understand and manage your imports.

2. Use absolute imports for top-level modules: When importing top-level modules, such as modules from the Python standard library or third-party packages, use absolute imports. This makes it clear where the module is coming from and avoids potential conflicts with local modules.

3. Use relative imports for modules within the same package: When importing modules within the same package, use relative imports. This makes it easier to move or rename the package without having to update all the import statements.

4. Avoid circular imports: Circular imports occur when two or more modules depend on each other, creating a loop. This can lead to unpredictable behavior and should be avoided. If you encounter a circular import, consider restructuring your code to remove the dependency.

5. Organize your project structure: Maintain a well-organized project structure with clear separation of concerns. Use packages and modules to group related functionality together. This will make it easier to locate and import files from different folders.

Alternative Ideas

While the methods described above are commonly used to import files from different folders in Python, there are alternative approaches you can consider based on your specific requirements:

1. Use a package manager: If you are working on a larger project with multiple dependencies, consider using a package manager like pipenv or poetry. These tools allow you to manage and install packages from different folders or repositories, simplifying the import process.

2. Use a virtual environment: Virtual environments provide isolated Python environments where you can install packages and manage dependencies. By creating a virtual environment for your project, you can avoid conflicts between different versions of packages and ensure consistent imports.

3. Use a build tool: If you are working on a project with complex build requirements, consider using a build tool like setuptools or PyInstaller. These tools allow you to package your Python code and its dependencies into a standalone executable or distributable format, making it easier to distribute and import files from different folders.

Related Article: How To Limit Floats To Two Decimal Points In Python

How to Import Files From a Different Folder in Python (2024)

FAQs

How to Import Files From a Different Folder in Python? ›

In Python, you can use the import statement to import modules or files from different folders. If the file you want to import is in a different folder than the script you are running, you will need to specify the path to the file. You can use the sys. path.

How to import different files in Python? ›

You create a new Python script in the same folder as the module you wish to import. You then use the 'import' keyword followed by the name of the module file (without mentioning the file extension). For instance, if your module file is named my_module.py, you only use import my_module.

How to copy files from different folders to one folder in Python? ›

Use the shutil.copy() function

The copy() function in this module is used to copy files from one directory to another. First, import the shutil module and Pass a source file path and destination directory path to the copy(src, dst) function.

How to import a class from another file in another folder in Python? ›

Importing a specific class by using import command

Simply create a new.py file that is identical to MyFile.py and give the class the name you want. Simply import the class using the command line argument MyFile import Square in the main file.

How do I read multiple files from a folder in Python? ›

Approach:
  1. Import modules.
  2. Add path of the folder.
  3. Change directory.
  4. Get the list of a file from a folder.
  5. Iterate through the file list and check whether the extension of the file is in . txt format or not.
  6. If text-file exist, read the file using File Handling.
Feb 2, 2021

How to import Python files from a different folder? ›

If the file you want to import is in a different folder than the script you are running, you will need to specify the path to the file. You can use the sys. path. append() function to add the path to the folder containing the file you want to import.

How do I import a file into Python? ›

Importing Files (Reading Text Files)

In Python, you can use the open() function to read the . txt files. Notice that the open() function takes two input parameters: file path (or file name if the file is in the current working directory) and the file access mode.

How to move a file from one folder to another using Python code? ›

Option 1: shutil.

move() works by first creating a copy of the file with the path defined by old_path and storing the copy in the new location, new_path . Finally, after the successful creation of the copy, Python deletes the original file located at old_path . In cases where the original file is protected, shutil.

How to copy files from one folder to another folder in terminal? ›

The following are examples of how to use the cp command:
  1. To make a copy of a file in the current directory, type the following: cp prog.c prog.bak. ...
  2. To copy a file in your current directory into another directory, type the following: cp jones /home/nick/clients.

How to use import as in Python? ›

An import statement is made up of the import keyword along with the name of the module. In a Python file, this will be declared at the top of the code, under any shebang lines or general comments. When we import a module, we are making it available to us in our current program as a separate namespace.

Why can't i import name in Python? ›

The “ImportError: Cannot Import Name” error typically occurs when there is a circular import or a dependency loop in your Python code. Circular imports happen when two or more modules depend on each other, creating a loop that confuses the interpreter.

What does __init__ py do? ›

__init__.py is a fundamental building block for creating structured and organized Python packages. It's like the invisible glue that holds your code together, making it easier to manage reuse, and share. So, in simple terms, __init__.py is like the starting line for your Python project.

How to import multiple files at once in Python? ›

The import_file (Python)/ importFolder (R) function can be used to import multiple local files by specifying a directory and a pattern. Example patterns include: pattern="/A/. */iris_.

How do I read a file from a specific folder in Python? ›

A list of files can be retrieved from a directory using the following Python modules:
  1. os.listdir() - to print all files and directories under the current path (file location)
  2. os.walk() - to access files from a directory layer by layer.
  3. glob module - to search files by regular expression.

How to copy multiple files from one directory to another in Python? ›

The shutil. copytree() method recursively copies an entire directory tree rooted at source (src) to the destination directory. It is used to recursively copy a file from one location to another. The destination should not be an existing directory.

How do I import a different library into Python? ›

Instructions:
  1. In the module named operations.py , add the following functions: addition(a, b) : which returns the sum of two numbers a and b; ...
  2. In the main file, import the operations.py module and use its functions to perform the following mathematical operations: ...
  3. Display the results of the operations in the console.

How do I import and run another file in Python? ›

In Python, we can run one file from another using the import statement for integrating functions or modules, exec() function for dynamic code execution, subprocess module for running a script as a separate process, or os. system() function for executing a command to run another Python file within the same process.

How to import CSV files in Python? ›

Read A CSV File Using Python
  1. Using the CSV Library. import csv with open("./bwq.csv", 'r') as file: csvreader = csv.reader(file) for row in csvreader: print(row) Here we are importing the csv library in order to use the . ...
  2. Using the Pandas Library. import pandas as pd data = pd.read_csv("bwq.csv") data.
Jul 14, 2023

How do I add data from one file to another in Python? ›

Append the content of one text file to another using the using shutil module. we first open (file1) and after it, we open (file2) we open file one in read mode and file2 in append mode then copyfileobj() the function reads data from file1 in chunks and appends it to file2 until the entire content is copied.

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