Package Management

Understanding Packages and Namespaces

Packages in Python are directories containing __init__.py files, and are used to organize modules and provide namespaces. A namespace in Python is a space in which a name is mapped to an object. Managing namespaces correctly can prevent name clashes in larger applications.

Example of a Python Package

Consider a package named project with the following structure:

Here's a real-life example of a Django project structure. As you can see, the module names are the same across different packages, which simplifies the project's logic.

Installing and Using External Packages with pip

pip is Python's package installer and is used to install packages from the Python Package Index (PyPI), a repository of software for the Python programming language.

Installing a Package

To install a package, simply use the pip install command in the terminal or the console, followed by the name of the package:

Using an Installed Package

After installing, you can import and use the package in your scripts:


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import numpy as np
array = np.array([1, 2, 3])
print(array)

1. What is the primary purpose of the \_\_init__.py?

2. Consider a scenario where a project has several sub-packages, each containing a module named `config`. How does Python differentiate between the `config` module in different sub-packages?

This knowledge will significantly enhance your ability to manage large projects and collaborate with others. Keep building and exploring! 🚀

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Section 1. Chapter 6