Python using import in a function, import content of variable and not its name?

Question

I have a function that checks if a module is installed, if not it will install it. I am passing the extension through a function. However how can I stop it attempting to import the variable name and use its contents?

Example:

def importExtension(extension):
     try:
        import extension
    except:
        Do stuff
importExtension("blah")

If I correctly understand your problem you can add del extension after import — Farhadix
– Farhadix, Commented Nov 13, 2013 at 14:16

UltraInstinct · Accepted Answer · 2013-11-13 14:21:59Z

3

Use importlib (backport).

import importlib

def importExtension(extension):
     try:
        importlib.import_module(name)
    except:
        Do stuff
importExtension("blah")

Also, to quote the docs about __import__(..):

This is an advanced function that is not needed in everyday Python programming, unlike importlib.import_module().

edited Nov 13, 2013 at 14:21

answered Nov 13, 2013 at 14:16

UltraInstinct

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