Python: Reloading a Module

Reloading a Module in Python

Reloading a Module in Python

Reloading a Module: There are occasions when you have changed the code of a module, and you want the changes to reflect without having to relaunch the interpreter or restart the server. Python doesn't support this by default. However, the reload() function of importlib standard library helps you to do just that.

Reloading a Module

# CONTENTS OF foo.py
def spam():
    print("SPAM!")

# A SESSION IN THE INTERACTIVE INTERPRETER
>>> import foo
>>> foo.spam()
SPAM!

# CHANGED CONTENTS OF foo.py
def spam():
    print("SPAM! SPAM!")

# SAME SESSION IN THE INTERACTIVE INTERPRETER
>>> foo.spam()						
SPAM!										# Changes have not reflected yet.
>>> import importlib
>>> importlib.reload(foo)
<module 'foo' from 'complete_path_to_foo.py'>
>>> foo.spam()
SPAM! SPAM!

Common Practice to Handle Frequently Modified Modules

import moduleOne
import moduleTwo
from importlib import reload

reload(moduleOne)
reload(moduleTwo)

from moduleOne import *
from moduleTwo import *

See also:

• Python 101
• Object Oriented Python
• Design Patterns in Python
• 50+ Handy Standard Library Modules
• 60+ Handy Third Library Modules
• 50+ Tips & Tricks for Python Developers
• 50+ Know-How(s) Every Pythonista Must Know