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What is the File Extension for a Python Module?

Published in Python File Extension 2 mins read

The file extension for a Python module is .py.

Python modules are fundamental building blocks for organizing your code. Essentially, a Python module is just a plain text file containing Python code. As highlighted in the provided reference, "Modules in Python are simply Python files with a . py extension."

Understanding Python Modules

  • What it is: A Python module is a file that groups related code together.
  • Content: A module can define functions, classes, and variables. It can also contain runnable code.
  • Naming: The name of the file (without the .py extension) becomes the name of the module when you import it.

The .py Extension

The .py extension is the standard and required file extension for Python source code files, including those intended to be used as modules. This extension signals to the operating system and the Python interpreter that the file contains Python instructions.

Here's a simple breakdown:

Aspect Description
File Type Python Source Code
Extension .py
Purpose Defines a Python Module
Typical Use Importing functions, classes, variables

Practical Example

Imagine you create a file named math_operations.py. Inside this file, you might define functions for adding, subtracting, etc.:

# math_operations.py

def add(x, y):
  return x + y

def subtract(x, y):
  return x - y

PI = 3.14159

This file, math_operations.py, is a Python module named math_operations. You can then use its contents in another Python script:

# main_script.py

import math_operations

result_sum = math_operations.add(5, 3)
result_diff = math_operations.subtract(10, 4)
circle_pi = math_operations.PI

print(f"Sum: {result_sum}") # Output: Sum: 8
print(f"Difference: {result_diff}") # Output: Difference: 6
print(f"PI value: {circle_pi}") # Output: PI value: 3.14159

As this example demonstrates, the .py extension is crucial for creating files that can be recognized and imported as modules within the Python ecosystem.