Setting up python path inside python

Question

Let's say I have a python package called my project. Inside this directory, I have two other directories named run_files and code_files. So the file structure is as follows:

->my project
      |
      |___________
      |           ->run_files
      |                |
      |                |_________run.py
      |
      |___________
                  -> code_files
                       |
                       |_________codes.py

As the names suggests run_files contains the python file (like run.py) where I am going to execute my python program while code_files contains other files (like code.py) where the main codes of my program exist. Clearly, I need to import some of the files inside the code_files directory to run my program.

However, the problem is that because of this structure I get import error since when python wants to run it, it looks into the parent directory and tries to find the files with root run_files. How can I change this with a code inside my python file run.py instead of resorting to changing it on terminal.

I suggest restructuring your code slightly. Put the script you intend to run directly under my project, and have it import code you need from run_files. Your actual script may be no more than import run_files; run_files.run.go(), where run.go is just your script-level code wrapped in a function to serve as an entry point. — chepner
– chepner, Commented Mar 25, 2019 at 17:32
Any reason not to create it as an actual module package and install it with -e (editable)? — AChampion
– AChampion, Commented Mar 25, 2019 at 17:36
If any of the answers solved your question, it's good practice to upvote and accept. The latter also grants you a small rep bonus. — Alec
– Alec, Commented Mar 25, 2019 at 18:22

Alec · Accepted Answer · 2019-03-25 17:29:34Z

2

The easiest way to access any file on your computer is probably sys.path

# code_file.py
import sys
sys.path.insert(0, 'location/of/code_files')

import code_file

You can also use append() instead of insert():

sys.path.append('location/of/code_files')

answered Mar 25, 2019 at 17:29

Alec

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2 Comments

Infintyyy Over a year ago

Hi @alec935, I need to test it on my server to see it works. Thanks for answering. If it solves my problem then sure I am going to accept and up vote it. Please wait till tomorrow.

Alec Over a year ago

No problem! I just like leaving that comment because people forget :)

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