Use 'import module' or 'from module import'?

Question

I\'ve tried to find a comprehensive guide on whether it is best to use import module or from module import. I\'ve just started with Python and I\'m

Answer 1

One of the significant difference I found out which surprisingly no-one has talked about is that using plain import you can access private variable and private functions from the imported module, which isn't possible with from-import statement.

Code in image:

setting.py

public_variable = 42
_private_variable = 141
def public_function():
    print("I'm a public function! yay!")
def _private_function():
    print("Ain't nobody accessing me from another module...usually")

plain_importer.py

import settings
print (settings._private_variable)
print (settings.public_variable)
settings.public_function()
settings._private_function()

# Prints:
# 141
# 42
# I'm a public function! yay!
# Ain't nobody accessing me from another module...usually

from_importer.py

from settings import *
#print (_private_variable) #doesn't work
print (public_variable)
public_function()
#_private_function()   #doesn't work