REST APIs with Flask and Python - Relative Imports in Python

The video tutorial explains the concept of relative imports in Python, highlighting their complexity and potential pitfalls for beginners. It contrasts relative imports with absolute imports, emphasizing the importance of understanding file structure and import paths. The tutorial demonstrates how relative imports work, their limitations, and why absolute imports are generally recommended. The instructor advises against using relative imports due to their complexity and potential issues during debugging, suggesting that absolute imports offer a more straightforward and reliable approach.

What is the primary difference between absolute and relative imports in Python?

• Absolute imports can only be used in the main module.

• Absolute imports are faster than relative imports.

• Relative imports are used only in Python 2.

• Absolute imports specify the full path, while relative imports use a relative path.

Which of the following is a correct syntax for an absolute import?

• from module import *

• import .module

• from .module import function

• import module.submodule

Under what condition can a relative import be used?

• When the module is imported using a wildcard.

• When the module is a built-in Python module.

• When the module is in the same directory as the main script.

• When there is a folder name in the import path.

What does the 'from .module import function' syntax signify?

• An absolute import from the module.

• A relative import from the current package.

• A deprecated import method.

• An import from a built-in module.

What happens if you attempt a relative import without a known parent package?

• The import will succeed but with a warning.

• Python will automatically convert it to an absolute import.

• Python will throw an ImportError.

• The import will be ignored.

Why might relative imports fail when debugging or running individual files?

• Because they are not supported in Python 3.

• Because they need a specific Python version.

• Because they depend on the file being run as the main module.

• Because they require the main script to be in the same directory.

What is the recommended practice regarding imports in Python according to the video?

• Avoid using imports altogether.

• Mix both relative and absolute imports.

• Use absolute imports for simplicity and reliability.

• Use relative imports for all modules.