How to get class object from class name string in the same module?

Question

I have a class

class Foo():
    def some_method():
        pass

And another class in the same module:

class Bar():
    def some_other_method():
        class_name = "Foo"
        # Can I access the class Foo above using the string "Foo"?

I want to be able to access the Foo class using the string "Foo".

I can do this if I'm in another module by using:

from project import foo_module
foo_class = getattr(foo_module, "Foo")

Can I do the same sort of thing in the same module?

The guys in IRC suggested I use a mapping dict that maps string class names to the classes, but I don't want to do that if there's an easier way.

and yes, using a mapping dict is probably the proper way to go... — Antti Haapala
– Antti Haapala, Commented Jul 31, 2013 at 1:18
Thanks. I ended up refactoring 'cause I didn't want to use globals or use a mapping dict. — Chris McKinnel
– Chris McKinnel, Commented Jul 31, 2013 at 2:00

khachik · Accepted Answer · 2013-07-31 01:17:23Z

123

import sys
getattr(sys.modules[__name__], "Foo")

# or 

globals()['Foo']

answered Jul 31, 2013 at 1:17

khachik

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2 Comments

Chris McKinnel Over a year ago

Accepted this answer 'cause it covers both sys and globals methods.

dsollen Over a year ago

I know this is an old answer, but while a good answer it could be further improved by mentioning the pros/cons of the two options and which option is considered more pythonic.

Peter Mortensen · Accepted Answer · 2021-01-11 06:53:42Z

12

You can do it with help of the sys module:

import sys

def str2Class(str):
    return getattr(sys.modules[__name__], str)

edited Jan 11, 2021 at 6:53

Peter Mortensen

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answered Jul 31, 2013 at 1:17

jh314

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Comments

user2357112 · Accepted Answer · 2013-07-31 01:17:18Z

9

globals()[class_name]

Note that if this isn't strictly necessary, you may want to refactor your code to not use it.

answered Jul 31, 2013 at 1:17

user2357112

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