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Python Dependencies

The document provides an overview of Python dependencies, modules, and packages, explaining key concepts such as modules, packages, dependencies, and virtual environments. It emphasizes the importance of managing dependencies using tools like requirements.txt and virtual environments to ensure project compatibility and organization. Additionally, it highlights best practices for importing modules and structuring Python projects for maintainability.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
7 views

Python Dependencies

The document provides an overview of Python dependencies, modules, and packages, explaining key concepts such as modules, packages, dependencies, and virtual environments. It emphasizes the importance of managing dependencies using tools like requirements.txt and virtual environments to ensure project compatibility and organization. Additionally, it highlights best practices for importing modules and structuring Python projects for maintainability.

Uploaded by

ruemumbire9
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Python Dependencies, Modules, and Packages

1. Introduction

When building Python programs, you often need to use additional functionality that
isn't available in the core language. This is where modules, packages, libraries, and
dependencies come in. Understanding how they work is essential for writing efficient,
modular, and maintainable Python code.

2. Key Definitions

Module: A file containing Python code (.py file) that defines functions,
classes, and variables which can be imported and reused in other programs.

Package: A collection of related Python modules organized in a directory,


typically with an __init__.py file to indicate it's a package.

Dependency: Any external module, package, or library that your program


requires to run.

Library: A collection of modules and packages that provide specific


functionality.

Virtual Environment: An isolated Python environment for installing and


managing dependencies specific to a project.

PyPI (Python Package Index): The official online repository where Python
developers can publish and share their packages.

Import Statement: A command in Python that allows access to code in


another module.

Namespace: A container where names (of variables, functions, etc.) are


mapped to objects, helping avoid naming conflicts.

3. What is a Module?

A module is a file containing Python definitions and statements. Modules help


organize code logically and promote reusability.

Example:

# math_module.py
PI = 3.1416

def area_of_circle(radius):
return PI * radius ** 2

You can import and use this module like this:


import math_module
print(math_module.area_of_circle(5))

Built-in Modules

Python includes many built-in modules that provide a wide range of functionality:

math: mathematical operations

datetime: date and time manipulation

os: interacting with the operating system

sys: system-specific parameters and functions

random: generating pseudo-random numbers

Example:

import math
print(math.sqrt(16))

4. What is a Package?

A package is a directory that contains multiple modules and an optional


__init__.py file. It allows you to organize related modules together under a single
namespace.

Structure Example:

my_package/
__init__.py
geometry.py
algebra.py

Usage Example:
from my_package import geometry

Packages are ideal for large applications where code needs to be grouped logically.

5. Third-party Packages

These are packages developed by the Python community and shared via repositories
like PyPI (Python Package Index).

Popular Examples:

requests – HTTP requests

numpy – numerical computing


pandas – data manipulation

matplotlib – data visualization

flask – web development

scikit-learn – machine learning

Install them using pip:

pip install requests

To see all installed packages:

pip list

To uninstall a package:

pip uninstall requests

6. What are Dependencies?

A dependency is a package or module that your project needs to run correctly.


Managing dependencies properly is crucial for reproducibility and compatibility.

Best Practices for Dependency Management:

Use a requirements.txt file to list all dependencies.

Use virtual environments to isolate project-specific dependencies.

Pin exact versions of dependencies to prevent unexpected issues.

Example requirements.txt:

numpy==1.24.0
pandas>=1.3.0
requests

Install all dependencies with:

pip install -r requirements.txt

7. Virtual Environments

A virtual environment creates a separate space for your Python project. It prevents
version conflicts and keeps your global Python installation clean.

Steps to Use Virtual Environments:

# Create virtual environment


python -m venv venv

# Activate environment (Linux/macOS)


source venv/bin/activate

# Activate environment (Windows)


venv\Scripts\activate

# Install packages in the environment


pip install numpy

# Deactivate
deactivate

Tools for Managing Environments:

venv: standard module to create environments

virtualenv: a more powerful tool for managing environments

pipenvand poetry: modern tools that combine dependency and environment


management

8. Importing in Python

Python provides several ways to import modules and functions:

import module_name – imports the entire module

from module_name import function_name – imports a specific function or


class

import module_name as alias – imports the module with an alias

Examples:

import math
from datetime import datetime
import numpy as np

Avoid using wildcard imports (from module import *) as it clutters the namespace
and can lead to conflicts.

9. Organizing Your Codebase

Good project structure enhances readability, debugging, and scalability.

Example Structure:

my_project/
main.py
utils/
__init__.py
helpers.py
data/
tests/
test_helpers.py
requirements.txt
README.md

Tips:

Group reusable code into packages or subdirectories

Keep configuration files (like .env, .gitignore, etc.) in the root folder

Include a README.md to explain usage, features, and installation

10. Summary

Modules help organize and reuse code.

Packages are collections of modules structured in directories.

Dependencies are libraries required by your project.

Use virtual environments to avoid conflicts.

Maintain a requirements.txt file for dependency tracking.

Leverage pip and PyPI to install and distribute Python packages.

Organize your project for maintainability and collaboration.

Understanding and using these elements correctly is crucial for efficient, collaborative,
and scalable Python development.

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