Python Tips: Why ‘From Import *’ Should Be Prohibited and How to Avoid It By adminPosted on July 10, 2023 As a Python developer, you probably must have come across the statement ‘from import *’ quite a few times. While we agree that it might seem convenient at first glance to import all the items from a module into your program, it is essential that you avoid using this statement as much as possible. In this article, we will explore why the use of ‘from import *’ should be prohibited and how to avoid falling into its trap. This article is a must-read for anyone who is looking to write clean, efficient, and maintainable code with Python. If you are not already aware, the indiscriminate use of ‘from import *’ in your code can lead to a lot of headaches and problems down the line. Not only does it obscure the origin of your imported objects, but it can also lead to namespace pollution and potential name conflicts. Luckily, there are many ways to avoid using ‘from import *’ in your Python code. From importing specific objects to using context managers and namespaces, this article will show you different ways to improve the clarity and readability of your code while avoiding the pitfalls of ‘from import *’. If you want to become a better Python developer and learn how to write clean, efficient, and maintainable code, then this article is for you. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced programmer, this article will provide valuable insights and practical solutions to help you write better code with Python. So buckle up and let’s dive into the world of Python development together! “Python: Why Should ‘From Import *’ Be Prohibited?” ~ bbaz The Pitfalls of ‘from import *’ As a Python developer, it is crucial to understand why the use of ‘from import *’ should be prohibited. While it may seem convenient to import all the items from a module into your program, it can lead to several headaches and problems down the line. In this section, we will discuss the potential pitfalls associated with this statement. Obscurity of Imported Objects’ Origin Using ‘from import *’ obscures the origin of your imported objects. When you import an object in this manner, it becomes difficult to tell which module the object came from. This can lead to confusion, especially if you are working in a large codebase with multiple modules. Namespace Pollution An indiscriminate use of ‘from import *’ can lead to namespace pollution. Namespace pollution occurs when you import too many objects into your namespace, making it difficult to keep track of which identifiers are available. In some cases, it can even lead to naming conflicts. Avoiding ‘from import *’ Luckily, there are several ways to avoid using ‘from import *’ in your code. In this section, we will explore some of these solutions. Importing Specific Objects One way to avoid using ‘from import *’ is to import specific objects. You can do this by specifying the name of the object that you want to import after the module name. This method not only makes it clear where the object came from, but it also limits the number of objects added to your namespace. Using Context Managers Another way to avoid namespace pollution is to use context managers. Context managers provide a convenient way to temporarily add objects to your namespace without polluting it permanently. You can use the ‘with’ keyword to create a temporary namespace for a specific block of code. Using Namespaces Finally, you can use namespaces to avoid the use of ‘from import *’. Namespaces provide a way to organize your code and prevent naming conflicts. By grouping related objects in a namespace, you can limit the number of objects added to your global namespace. Benefits of Writing Clean and Readable Code In this section, we will discuss the benefits of writing clean and readable code. Writing clean and readable code not only improves the quality of your code but also makes it more maintainable in the long run. Improved Quality of Code Clean and readable code is easier to understand and maintain. When you write clean code, you reduce complexity and make it easier for others to understand your code. This improves the quality of your code and makes it less prone to errors. Better Maintainability Clean and readable code is also more maintainable. When you write code that is easy to read and understand, it becomes easier to modify and add new features. This saves time and reduces the likelihood of introducing bugs into your codebase. Time and Cost Savings Finally, writing clean and readable code saves time and reduces costs in the long run. Clean code is easier to test and debug, saving you time and effort in the long run. It also reduces the likelihood of introducing costly bugs or security vulnerabilities into your codebase. Conclusion In conclusion, the indiscriminate use of ‘from import *’ in your code can lead to potential pitfalls and headaches. However, by using specific imports, context managers, and namespaces, you can avoid these problems and write clean, efficient, and maintainable code with Python. Building a habit of writing clean and readable code is an essential skill for every Python developer looking to excel in the field. Benefits Importance Improved quality of code Very important Better maintainability Extremely important Time and cost savings Essential Thank you for taking the time to read our article on why ‘from import *’ should be prohibited in Python coding. We hope that you have learned something new and valuable that you can apply to your programming practice. Remember, using ‘from import *’ can lead to naming conflicts and confusion as your codebase grows. It is best to be explicit about which modules and functions you are importing in order to avoid these issues in the long run. If you find yourself struggling with this concept, don’t worry! There are plenty of resources and tools available to help you improve your Python coding skills. We suggest consulting online forums and communities, taking courses or tutorials, and practicing regularly to hone your abilities. Keep coding and exploring the limitless possibilities of Python programming! By avoiding ‘from import *’, you will be well on your way to creating efficient, effective, and easy-to-read code that you can be proud of. Python is a popular programming language that is widely used for web development, data analysis, artificial intelligence, and more. However, there are certain coding practices that developers should avoid to ensure the efficiency and maintainability of their code. One such practice is using ‘from import *’ in Python. In this article, we will answer some common questions about why this practice should be prohibited and how to avoid it. People also ask What does ‘from import *’ mean in Python? This statement in Python allows you to import all the names (functions, classes, variables, etc.) from a module into your current namespace without having to type the module name every time. For example, instead of writing ‘math.sqrt(4)’, you can import everything from the math module and just write ‘sqrt(4)’. However, this practice is not recommended. Why should ‘from import *’ be prohibited in Python? There are several reasons why using ‘from import *’ is not a good idea: It pollutes the namespace: When you import everything from a module, you may unintentionally overwrite existing names in your current namespace, causing naming conflicts and making your code harder to read and maintain. It makes debugging harder: If you encounter an error or bug in your code, it can be difficult to trace back to where a particular name is defined or used, especially if you have imported everything from multiple modules. It can slow down your code: Importing everything from a module can also slow down the performance of your code, as it may load unnecessary objects and functions into memory. How can you avoid using ‘from import *’ in Python? To avoid the issues mentioned above, it is recommended that you use explicit imports instead of importing everything from a module. For example, instead of writing ‘from math import *’, you can write ‘import math’ and then refer to specific names within the math module using dot notation, such as ‘math.sqrt(4)’. You can also use the ‘as’ keyword to give a shorter name to a module or object, such as ‘import math as m’ and then use ‘m.sqrt(4)’. Share this:FacebookTweetWhatsAppRelated posts:Python Tips: How to Check If STDIN has Data in it?Efficiently Check List Items for Substrings with Secondary ListMastering page loading with Python-Selenium: Waiting for all elements.
As a Python developer, you probably must have come across the statement ‘from import *’ quite a few times. While we agree that it might seem convenient at first glance to import all the items from a module into your program, it is essential that you avoid using this statement as much as possible. In this article, we will explore why the use of ‘from import *’ should be prohibited and how to avoid falling into its trap. This article is a must-read for anyone who is looking to write clean, efficient, and maintainable code with Python. If you are not already aware, the indiscriminate use of ‘from import *’ in your code can lead to a lot of headaches and problems down the line. Not only does it obscure the origin of your imported objects, but it can also lead to namespace pollution and potential name conflicts. Luckily, there are many ways to avoid using ‘from import *’ in your Python code. From importing specific objects to using context managers and namespaces, this article will show you different ways to improve the clarity and readability of your code while avoiding the pitfalls of ‘from import *’. If you want to become a better Python developer and learn how to write clean, efficient, and maintainable code, then this article is for you. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced programmer, this article will provide valuable insights and practical solutions to help you write better code with Python. So buckle up and let’s dive into the world of Python development together! “Python: Why Should ‘From Import *’ Be Prohibited?” ~ bbaz The Pitfalls of ‘from import *’ As a Python developer, it is crucial to understand why the use of ‘from import *’ should be prohibited. While it may seem convenient to import all the items from a module into your program, it can lead to several headaches and problems down the line. In this section, we will discuss the potential pitfalls associated with this statement. Obscurity of Imported Objects’ Origin Using ‘from import *’ obscures the origin of your imported objects. When you import an object in this manner, it becomes difficult to tell which module the object came from. This can lead to confusion, especially if you are working in a large codebase with multiple modules. Namespace Pollution An indiscriminate use of ‘from import *’ can lead to namespace pollution. Namespace pollution occurs when you import too many objects into your namespace, making it difficult to keep track of which identifiers are available. In some cases, it can even lead to naming conflicts. Avoiding ‘from import *’ Luckily, there are several ways to avoid using ‘from import *’ in your code. In this section, we will explore some of these solutions. Importing Specific Objects One way to avoid using ‘from import *’ is to import specific objects. You can do this by specifying the name of the object that you want to import after the module name. This method not only makes it clear where the object came from, but it also limits the number of objects added to your namespace. Using Context Managers Another way to avoid namespace pollution is to use context managers. Context managers provide a convenient way to temporarily add objects to your namespace without polluting it permanently. You can use the ‘with’ keyword to create a temporary namespace for a specific block of code. Using Namespaces Finally, you can use namespaces to avoid the use of ‘from import *’. Namespaces provide a way to organize your code and prevent naming conflicts. By grouping related objects in a namespace, you can limit the number of objects added to your global namespace. Benefits of Writing Clean and Readable Code In this section, we will discuss the benefits of writing clean and readable code. Writing clean and readable code not only improves the quality of your code but also makes it more maintainable in the long run. Improved Quality of Code Clean and readable code is easier to understand and maintain. When you write clean code, you reduce complexity and make it easier for others to understand your code. This improves the quality of your code and makes it less prone to errors. Better Maintainability Clean and readable code is also more maintainable. When you write code that is easy to read and understand, it becomes easier to modify and add new features. This saves time and reduces the likelihood of introducing bugs into your codebase. Time and Cost Savings Finally, writing clean and readable code saves time and reduces costs in the long run. Clean code is easier to test and debug, saving you time and effort in the long run. It also reduces the likelihood of introducing costly bugs or security vulnerabilities into your codebase. Conclusion In conclusion, the indiscriminate use of ‘from import *’ in your code can lead to potential pitfalls and headaches. However, by using specific imports, context managers, and namespaces, you can avoid these problems and write clean, efficient, and maintainable code with Python. Building a habit of writing clean and readable code is an essential skill for every Python developer looking to excel in the field. Benefits Importance Improved quality of code Very important Better maintainability Extremely important Time and cost savings Essential Thank you for taking the time to read our article on why ‘from import *’ should be prohibited in Python coding. We hope that you have learned something new and valuable that you can apply to your programming practice. Remember, using ‘from import *’ can lead to naming conflicts and confusion as your codebase grows. It is best to be explicit about which modules and functions you are importing in order to avoid these issues in the long run. If you find yourself struggling with this concept, don’t worry! There are plenty of resources and tools available to help you improve your Python coding skills. We suggest consulting online forums and communities, taking courses or tutorials, and practicing regularly to hone your abilities. Keep coding and exploring the limitless possibilities of Python programming! By avoiding ‘from import *’, you will be well on your way to creating efficient, effective, and easy-to-read code that you can be proud of. Python is a popular programming language that is widely used for web development, data analysis, artificial intelligence, and more. However, there are certain coding practices that developers should avoid to ensure the efficiency and maintainability of their code. One such practice is using ‘from import *’ in Python. In this article, we will answer some common questions about why this practice should be prohibited and how to avoid it. People also ask What does ‘from import *’ mean in Python? This statement in Python allows you to import all the names (functions, classes, variables, etc.) from a module into your current namespace without having to type the module name every time. For example, instead of writing ‘math.sqrt(4)’, you can import everything from the math module and just write ‘sqrt(4)’. However, this practice is not recommended. Why should ‘from import *’ be prohibited in Python? There are several reasons why using ‘from import *’ is not a good idea: It pollutes the namespace: When you import everything from a module, you may unintentionally overwrite existing names in your current namespace, causing naming conflicts and making your code harder to read and maintain. It makes debugging harder: If you encounter an error or bug in your code, it can be difficult to trace back to where a particular name is defined or used, especially if you have imported everything from multiple modules. It can slow down your code: Importing everything from a module can also slow down the performance of your code, as it may load unnecessary objects and functions into memory. How can you avoid using ‘from import *’ in Python? To avoid the issues mentioned above, it is recommended that you use explicit imports instead of importing everything from a module. For example, instead of writing ‘from math import *’, you can write ‘import math’ and then refer to specific names within the math module using dot notation, such as ‘math.sqrt(4)’. You can also use the ‘as’ keyword to give a shorter name to a module or object, such as ‘import math as m’ and then use ‘m.sqrt(4)’. Share this:FacebookTweetWhatsAppRelated posts:Python Tips: How to Check If STDIN has Data in it?Efficiently Check List Items for Substrings with Secondary ListMastering page loading with Python-Selenium: Waiting for all elements.