Does 'import *' Import __init__.py in Python?

What Does "import *" Import in Python and How Does It Relate to __init__.py?

In Python, the "import *" statement imports all non-private (i.e., not starting with an underscore) symbols from a specified module into the current module. This allows direct access to the imported symbols without using the module name prefix.

Does "import *" Import __init__.py?

No, the "import *" statement does not automatically import the __init__.py file found in the containing folder. __init__.py is a special file that Python uses to initialize a module when it is imported. To explicitly import __init__.py, you must use the "import" statement with the module name as follows:

Advantages and Disadvantages of "import *":

The main advantage of "import *" is the convenience of importing all symbols at once. However, this practice is generally discouraged due to:

• Namespace collisions: Imported symbols may conflict with existing symbols in the current module.
• Inefficiency: Importing a large number of symbols may slow down the program.
• Lack of explicit documentation: It can be difficult to track the origin of imported symbols when using "*".

Preferred Practices:

Instead of "import *", it is recommended to import only the specific symbols you need. This can be done using either:

• Explicit import:

• Module aliasing:

Submodules and "import *":

When a module contains submodules, "import *" does not import these submodules unless they are explicitly included in the all attribute of the main module.

Conclusion:

While "import *" can be convenient, it is generally discouraged in favor of explicit imports or module aliasing. __init__.py is a special file used to initialize a module, and it must be imported separately using the "import" statement.

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