Python Imports

Python Import Style

What I Do

Provide guidelines for Python import styles with emphasis on absolute imports.

Import Rules

Absolute Imports (Recommended)

# ✅ CORRECT - Use absolute imports in regular modules
from module.common.types import TestDesign
from module.consolidate.parsing import parse_p800_raw_results
from package.submodule.utils import helper_function

Relative Imports (Avoid)

# ❌ AVOID - Relative imports in regular modules
from .types import TestDesign
from ..consolidate.parsing import parse_p800_raw_results

Exception: init.py Files

# ✅ EXCEPTION - Relative imports allowed in __init__.py only
# Use relative imports when re-exporting from submodules

# In package/__init__.py
from .parsing import parse_data
from .statistics import calculate_stats
from .processing import ProcessResult

# Public API exports
__all__ = ["parse_data", "calculate_stats", "ProcessResult"]

Import Organization

# Standard library imports
import os
import sys
from pathlib import Path
from typing import List, Dict

# Third-party imports
import numpy as np
import pandas as pd
from rich.console import Console

# Local application imports
from package.module import function
from package.module.class_ import ClassName

When to Use Me

Use this skill when:

• Writing import statements
• Organizing module structure
• Refactoring code
• Reviewing imports

Key Rules

1. Prefer absolute imports - More explicit and searchable
2. Avoid relative imports - Can be confusing in nested packages
3. Exception: init.py - Relative imports OK for re-exports
4. Group by source - stdlib, third-party, local
5. No inline imports - Place all imports at module top

Rationale

• Absolute imports are explicit about module location
• Easier to search and refactor across codebase
• Prevents ambiguity in nested package structures
• Consistent with project structure documentation