Packages in Python

In Python, as programs grow larger, organizing modules becomes important. A package is a way to organize related modules together in a folder so that they can be used efficiently.

What is a Package?

A package is a collection of Python modules grouped together inside a folder.

  • Each package contains a special file called __init__.py (can be empty)
  • Packages help in structuring large programs and avoiding naming conflicts

In short:

  • Module → single Python file
  • Package → folder containing multiple modules

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1. Using a Built-in Package

Python comes with built-in packages like os, sys, and math.

Example

import os print(os.name) print(os.getcwd())

Explanation

  • os is a built-in package for interacting with the operating system.
  • os.name tells the type of operating system.
  • os.getcwd() returns the current working directory.
  • Using the package avoids writing OS-related functions manually.

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2. Creating a User-Defined Package

You can create your own package by organizing modules in a folder.

Step 1: Create folder mypackage

Inside it, create two modules:

module1.py

def greet(): print("Hello from module1")

module2.py

def welcome(): print("Welcome from module2")

Step 2: Create __init__.py (can be empty)

Step 3: Use the package

from mypackage import module1, module2 module1.greet() module2.welcome()

Explanation

  • mypackage is a folder containing multiple modules.
  • __init__.py makes Python treat the folder as a package.
  • Functions from different modules are accessed using import.

Output

Hello from module1 Welcome from module2

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3. Advantages of Using Packages

  • Organized Code – Keeps related modules together
  • Reusability – Modules can be reused across programs
  • Avoid Name Conflicts – Same module names can exist in different packages

Example

mypackage/ __init__.py module1.py module2.py utilities/ __init__.py helper1.py helper2.py

Access via:

from mypackage import module1

Makes code easier to maintain and understand.

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