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Why is from code import * different from entering that code directly into the REPL? - Printable Version

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Why is from code import * different from entering that code directly into the REPL? - sebi - Apr-03-2019

...indeed, for code.py being
a = 0
def func():
    global a
    a = 1
after entering that code directly into the REPL and typing
func()
print(a)
I get 1, while I get 0 after a
from code import *
Why? Dear community, I am a noob looking forward to understanding such different behaviors. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

RE: Why is from code import * different from entering that code directly into the REPL? - Gribouillis - Apr-03-2019

When you import the module, the function is defined but it is not called. The module doesn't contain the line
func()


RE: Why is from code import * different from entering that code directly into the REPL? - sebi - Apr-03-2019

Indeed.
...but I do call the function from within the REPL (not the module) as I enter:
from code import *
func()
print(a)
I would expect to get 1 (rather than 0) as when entering the content from code.py directly into the REPL. I am still puzzled...

RE: Why is from code import * different from entering that code directly into the REPL? - Gribouillis - Apr-03-2019

It is because each module has its own global namespace, so the global a in module code is not the global a in module __main__. You can use
from code import *
import code
func()
print(code.a)
It is usually best to avoid functions that update global variables.

RE: Why is from code import * different from entering that code directly into the REPL? - buran - Apr-03-2019

And also star import is considered bad practice altogether, so better avoid it

RE: Why is from code import * different from entering that code directly into the REPL? - sebi - Apr-03-2019

Thank you all