How to import a module in python without using the import keyword

Python has a reasonably straightforward way to work with custom modules by using the builtin statement. However there is a caveat when the module shares the name with a python keyword.

o for example if the file you would import is name “lambda.py”. You would try to import with the following

This would throw an syntax error as the interpreter tries to evaluate the import statement followed by the lambda keyword.

There a few ways around this as one can either renamed the file (personally I prefer this). You could also use the importlib to the import which is what will be demonstrated on here.

The importlib allows you to import a file using a string representing the file or module.

The importlib also allows you to reload a module by using the reload function.

In conclusion, in most situations you should be able to use the import directly, the importlib can be used under really specific circumstances.

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