Why do we need to use "as" in python to import

Question

from python docs:

 import_stmt:    "import" module ["as" name] ("," module ["as" name] )* 
          | "from" module "import" identifier ["as" name]
            ("," identifier ["as" name] )*
          | "from" module "import" "*" 
 module:         (identifier ".")* identifier

Why would we need to define an alias for a library?

What if you had two (or more) conflicting modules? What if you just want to save yourself some typing? — OneCricketeer
– OneCricketeer, Commented Oct 19, 2018 at 2:07
All three above comments constitute a complete answer to this question, in my opinion. — girlvsdata
– girlvsdata, Commented Oct 19, 2018 at 2:08
I think it's pretty darn common in most languages that have an import system to allow aliasing…!? — deceze
– deceze ♦, Commented Oct 19, 2018 at 2:10

Blownhither Ma · Accepted Answer · 2018-10-19 02:12:04Z

5

There are a few occasions.

To avoid name collision

from bisect import bisect
from homework import bisect as my_bisect
# TODO: test if the two functions works similarly

To avoid long names

import tensorflow as tf

To make memes

import keras as tf

answered Oct 19, 2018 at 2:12

Blownhither Ma

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deceze Over a year ago

import jackie_chan from drawings as what_is_this_I_cant_even # made a meme

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