Import statement behavior in Python - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What does the import statement do in Python?

It loads a module so you can use its functions, classes, or variables in your code.

intermediate

What happens if you import the same module multiple times in Python?

Python loads the module only once and reuses it, so importing again does not reload the module.

beginner

Explain the difference between <code>import module</code> and <code>from module import name</code>.

<code>import module</code> imports the whole module and you access items with <code>module.name</code>. <br><code>from module import name</code> imports only the specific item directly, so you use <code>name</code> without the module prefix.

beginner

What is the effect of using <code>import module as alias</code>?

It imports the module but lets you use a shorter or different name (alias) to refer to it in your code.

intermediate

How does Python find the module when you use an import statement?

Python looks in a list of places called sys.path, which includes the current folder, installed packages, and standard library folders.

What will happen if you write import math twice in the same Python program?

A Python ignores the second import statement.

B The math module is loaded twice, causing an error.

C The second import overwrites the first one.

D The math module is loaded only once and reused.

Python loads a module only once per program run and reuses it for subsequent imports.

Which import style allows you to use a function directly without the module name?

A from module import function

B import module as alias

C import module

D import *

Using from module import function lets you call function() directly.

What does import module as alias do?

A Imports only the alias from the module.

B Imports the module and renames it to alias.

C Imports the module twice.

D Creates a new module named alias.

It imports the module but lets you use the shorter name alias in your code.

Where does Python look for modules when you use an import statement?

A Only in the standard library.

B Only in the current folder.

C In the current folder, installed packages, and standard library folders.

D Only in the internet.

Python searches a list of folders called sys.path, including current folder and installed packages.

What happens if you try to import a module that does not exist?

A Python raises a ModuleNotFoundError.

B Python creates a new empty module.

C Python ignores the import.

D Python imports a default module instead.

Python raises an error called ModuleNotFoundError if the module cannot be found.

Explain how Python handles multiple imports of the same module in a program.

Think about efficiency and how Python avoids repeating work.

Describe the difference between import module and from module import name in Python.

Consider how you write the code after importing.