How to import a module in Python with importlib.import_module

Question

I\'m trying to use importlib.import_module in Python 2.7.2 and run into the strange error.

Consider the following dir structure:

    a
    |
    + - __ini         


        

Answer 1

And don't forget to create a __init__.py with each folder/subfolder (even if they are empty)

Answer 2

For relative imports you have to:

• a) use relative name

• b) provide anchor explicitly

  importlib.import_module('.c', 'a.b')
  

Of course, you could also just do absolute import instead:

importlib.import_module('a.b.c')

Answer 3

I think it's better to use importlib.import_module('.c', __name__) since you don't need to know about a and b.

I'm also wondering that, if you have to use importlib.import_module('a.b.c'), why not just use import a.b.c?