Importing Python Functions from Other Scripts

Modular programming in Python enables reuse and structure of code. To accomplish this, importing functions from other scripts or modules is a potent method. This procedure facilitates collaborative development, promotes concern separation, and improves code readability. The ideas and procedures involved in importing Python functions from one script to another will be covered in detail in this tutorial.

Importing Python Functions from Other File in Python

Below are some of the examples by which we can understand how we can import Python functions from another Python file in Python:

Example 1: Addition and Subtraction by Importing Python Function

In this example, two scripts are involved. The first script (`operations.py`) contains function for addition and subtraction. The second script (`main.py`) imports the entire module (`operations`) and utilizes the imported functions. The `import operations` statement makes all the functions from `operations.py` available in `main.py`.

operations.py

Python3

# operations.py

def add_numbers(a, b):
    return a + b

def subtract_numbers(a, b):
    return a - b

main.py

Python3

# main.py
# Importing Entire Module

import operations

add = operations.add_numbers(2, 3)
subtract = operations.subtract_numbers(5, 4)

print("Addition Result:", add)
print("Subtraction Result:", subtract)

Output:

Video Demonstration

Example 2: Finding Area by Importing Python Functions from Other Scripts

In this example, we have two scripts. The first script (`geometry.py`) contains functions related to geometry. The second script (`main.py`) imports only the `area_of_square` function from the geometry module using the `from geometry import area_of_square` statement. This approach allows you to selectively import only the functions you need, reducing namespace clutter.

geometry.py

Python3

# geometry.py

def area_of_rectangle(length, width):
    return length * width

def area_of_square(side):
    return side * side

main.py

Python3

# main.py
# Importing Specific Functions

from geometry import area_of_square

side=4

result = area_of_square(side)

print("Area of Square:", result)

Output:

Video Demonstration

Example 3: Importing Class and Python Functions from Other Scripts

In this example, we’ll explore organizing complex modules and importing classes. Consider a scenario where we have a script (`shapes.py`) containing multiple classes representing different geometric shapes. The second script (`main.py`) imports these classes to create instances of shapes and calculate their areas.

shapes.py

Python3

# shapes.py

class Circle:
    def __init__(self, radius):
        self.radius = radius

    def area(self):
        return 3.14 * (self.radius ** 2)


class Rectangle:
    def __init__(self, length, width):
        self.length = length
        self.width = width

    def area(self):
        return self.length * self.width

main.py

Python3

# main.py
from shapes import Circle, Rectangle

# Creating instances of shapes
circle_instance = Circle(radius=4)
rectangle_instance = Rectangle(length=4, width=6)

# Calculating and displaying areas
print("Area of Circle:", circle_instance.area())
print("Area of Rectangle:", rectangle_instance.area())

Output:

Video Demonstration