Importing at runtime

[David Poundall]

I have several .py files in a directory that I would like to import at
run time. Each file contains a state machine that requires to be run
in its own thread.

The first problem I have is how can I import the code in all of the .py
files without knowing the file names in advance.

Can this be done ??

TIA

 

[James Stroud]

exec "import something"

I have several .py files in a directory that I would like to import at
run time. Each file contains a state machine that requires to be run
in its own thread.

The first problem I have is how can I import the code in all of the .py
files without knowing the file names in advance.

Can this be done ??

TIA

--
James Stroud
UCLA-DOE Institute for Genomics and Proteomics
Box 951570
Los Angeles, CA 90095

http://www.jamesstroud.com/

 

[David Poundall]

Thanks James, just after I posted I stumbled across the execfile
command. Looks like with 'exec' and 'execfile' I should be able to do
what I want.

What an elegant language.

 

[Devan L]

http://www.python.org/doc/2.4.2/lib/built-in-funcs.html

or, if you want an answer in code now and don't want to read the docs

def my_import(name):
module = __import__(name)
globals()[name] = module #not a good idea

Or, seeing as how you won't be directly accessing them by name, anyways

modules = [__import__(name) for name in module_names]

 

[Mike Meyer]

I have several .py files in a directory that I would like to import at
run time. Each file contains a state machine that requires to be run
in its own thread.

Imports happen at run time. Beware starting threads in the code run at
import time in each module, though - there are some nasty bugs lurking
there. Instead, start the threads in functions invoked from the main
routine.

The first problem I have is how can I import the code in all of the .py
files without knowing the file names in advance.

Can this be done ??

Yes. Use the __import__ builtin.

<mike

 

[David Poundall]

Devan, would ...

__import__(name) for name in module_names

have worked just as well - without the equate to modules? or is the
modules list required as a hook for the imports ?

 

[David Poundall]

Imports happen at run time. Beware starting threads in the code run at

import time in each module, though - there are some nasty bugs lurking
there. Instead, start the threads in functions invoked from the main
routine.

I have run into trouble trying to do that before. Thanks for the
reminder Mike.