python, importing a file with a dynamic name

Question

Folks, I would like to import python files, and functions dynamically. The modulenames should be passed to a function like so:

def scrape(url, foo):
    modulename = url['modulename']
    import modulename
    modulename.modulename(url, foo)

This is erroring out with:

ImportError: No module named modulename

So how can we get python to use 'modulename' as a variable?

Thanks!

score 5 · Accepted Answer · answered Nov 14 '13 at 16:25

5

def scrape(url, foo):
    import importlib
    modulename = importlib.import_module(url["modulename"])
    modulename.modulename(url, foo)

answered Nov 14 '13 at 16:25

Frédéric Hamidi

great, now... its not translating the dynamic function name. how do i get around that? – Cmag Nov 14 '13 at 16:43

Steinar Lima · Answer 2 · 2013-11-14T17:20:04.003

1

You can also use

module = __import__('module_name')

Example:

module = __import__('math')
print module.sqrt(4)
>> 2

Or, if you want to use a dynamic method name as well

module = __import__('math')
method =  getattr(module, 'sqrt')
method(4)
>> 2

edited Nov 14 '13 at 17:20

answered Nov 14 '13 at 16:27

Steinar Lima

How would i call the functions defined in that module? – Cmag Nov 14 '13 at 16:42
1

To use with math.sqrt: `module = __import__('math'); module.sqrt(2)` – Steinar Lima Nov 14 '13 at 16:45
so the function name cant be dynamically passed as well? i guess i can resort to main() – Cmag Nov 14 '13 at 17:17
1

Of course it can, see my updated answer :) – Steinar Lima Nov 14 '13 at 17:21

2 Answers2