import_checker

import_checker is a cool tool that helps check Python programs for those pesky circular or recursive imports. If you're a Python programmer, you might know how tricky these can be!

Understanding Recursive Imports

Python is an awesome programming language, but it has its quirks. One big headache that even the pros face sometimes is the issue of variable scope. We've all learned to use the global keyword and we do so with confidence. But guess what? Problems still pop up when we run into a recursive import.

A Quick Example

Let's break it down with a little example:

# Program A

  import B

  var = 0

  if __name__ == '__main':

      var = 10

      B.doit()

# Module B

  import A

  def doit():

      print(A.var)

The tricky part here is that Module B sees A.var as 0, even though in Program A we changed it to 10! Why does this happen? It's not a bug in Python; it's just how recursive imports work—A imports B, and B imports A.

The Solution with import_checker

This is where import_checker.py comes in handy! It detects those annoying recursive imports for you. Just remember, this problem mainly happens with global variables across different modules.

A Better Way to Handle Variables

The best fix for this mess is to create a new module, let's call it C. You can then put your variable var in module C and import C from both A and B. This way, you avoid the confusion altogether.

Requirements for Using import_checker

Requirements:

• Python installed on your machine.

What's New?

This release includes:

• The Python source files are now read using the shlex lexical scanner.

If you're ready to tackle those recursive imports head-on, check out the tool here!