How to get class object from class name string in the same module?

Question

I have a class

class Foo():
    def some_method():
        pass

And another class in the same module:

class Bar():
    def some_other_method():
        class_name = "Foo"
        # Can I access the class Foo above using the string "Foo"?

I want to be able to access the Foo class using the string "Foo".

I can do this if I'm in another module by using:

from project import foo_module
foo_class = getattr(foo_module, "Foo")

Can I do the same sort of thing in the same module?

The guys in IRC suggested I use a mapping dict that maps string class names to the classes, but I don't want to do that if there's an easier way.

and yes, using a mapping dict is probably the proper way to go... — Antti Haapala -- Слава Україні, Jul 31 '13 at 01:18
Thanks. I ended up refactoring 'cause I didn't want to use `globals` or use a mapping dict. — Chris McKinnel, Jul 31 '13 at 02:00

score 115 · Accepted Answer · answered Jul 31 '13 at 01:17

115

import sys
getattr(sys.modules[__name__], "Foo")

# or 

globals()['Foo']

answered Jul 31 '13 at 01:17

khachik

Accepted this answer 'cause it covers both `sys` and `globals` methods. – Chris McKinnel Jul 31 '13 at 02:00
I know this is an old answer, but while a good answer it could be further improved by mentioning the pros/cons of the two options and which option is considered more pythonic. – dsollen Nov 29 '22 at 15:57

score 10 · Answer 2 · edited Jan 11 '21 at 06:53

10

import sys

def str2Class(str):
    return getattr(sys.modules[__name__], str)

edited Jan 11 '21 at 06:53

Peter Mortensen

answered Jul 31 '13 at 01:17

jh314

score 8 · Answer 3 · answered Jul 31 '13 at 01:17

8

globals()[class_name]

Note that if this isn't strictly necessary, you may want to refactor your code to not use it.

answered Jul 31 '13 at 01:17

user2357112

3 Answers3