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Python

Posted by Dan Oswalt
Dan Oswalt
23,438 Points

datetime.datetime question question

Why don't we say "from datetime import datetime?" so we don't have to type datetime.datetime each go around? I'm sure I'm missing something, so fill me in.

1 Answer

Chris Freeman
MOD
Chris Freeman
Treehouse Moderator 68,468 Points
Chris Freeman
Chris Freeman
Treehouse Moderator 68,468 Points

Using from datetime import datetime is equally as valid.

The difference is how one likes to manage their namespaces.

Some like to only import modules then refer to functions using module.function. For large programs with many imports, this helps keep track of where the function came from without having to scroll to the top of the code.

Using the module name as a function prefix also prevents collisions if importing to functions with the same name.

The bottom line is either is fine as long as the code readability doesn't suffer.

Dan Oswalt
Dan Oswalt
23,438 Points

Thanks Chris, that's a great explanation.