What is the difference between a local import and a global import in Python?
Davide S

In Python, there are two ways to import modules: local import and global import. Here's a detailed explanation of the differences between these two types of imports: Local Import: - Definition: A local import is performed within a specific scope, typically inside a function or a block of code. It imports a module and makes it accessible only within that scope. - Scope: A locally imported module is limited to the scope where the import statement is executed. It cannot be accessed or used outside that scope. - Usage: Local imports are commonly used when you only need to use a module within a specific function or block of code, without making it available globally. - Example:

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def my_function():
    import math
    # code using math module

my_function()

In this example, themath module is imported locally inside themy_function() function. It can only be accessed within that function, and any code using themath module should be written within the function's scope. Global Import: - Definition: A global import is performed at the top level of a module or script. It imports a module and makes it accessible throughout the entire module or script. - Scope: A globally imported module can be accessed from any part of the module or script where the import statement is located. It is available in all functions, classes, and blocks within the module or script. - Usage: Global imports are commonly used when a module needs to be used in multiple functions or when the imported module provides utility functions that are widely used within the module. - Example:

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import math

def my_function():
    # code using math module

def another_function():
    # code using math module

my_function()
another_function()

In this example, themath module is globally imported at the top of the script. It can be accessed and used in both themy_function() andanother_function() functions, as well as any other part of the script. Summary: In summary, a local import restricts the accessibility of a module to a specific scope, typically within a function or block of code. It is used when you need a module for a limited scope. On the other hand, a global import makes a module accessible throughout the entire module or script, allowing it to be used in multiple functions or parts of the code. Understanding the differences between local imports and global imports helps you organize your code, control module accessibility, and avoid potential naming conflicts. Choose the appropriate type of import based on the specific needs and scope of the module you are importing.

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