In python does importing a new module under the same alias allow for the previously assigned module to be picked up by garbage collection?

Question

Does this code, or similar, allow for 'something' to be picked up by garbage collection after it has been dereferenced?

import something as this

if condition:
    import somethingelse as this

I want to import different modules to replace others to the same alias depending on conditions, and not take up loads of memory with all the modules being 'loaded' at the same time

Thanks

score 2 · Accepted Answer · edited May 23 '17 at 11:56

2

No, the original module is still cached in sys.modules as sys.modules['something']. It is generally quite difficult to fully unload a module; see Unload a module in Python.

edited May 23 '17 at 11:56

Community

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answered Nov 29 '12 at 17:50

ecatmur

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score 0 · Answer 2 · answered Nov 29 '12 at 17:50

0

Loaded modules are cached so eliminating your reference does not eliminate all references. It will not be garbage collected.

answered Nov 29 '12 at 17:50

Mark Ransom

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In python does importing a new module under the same alias allow for the previously assigned module to be picked up by garbage collection?

2 Answers2