Python importing variables from other file

Question

I have 3 files in the same directory : test1.py , test2.py and init.py.

In test1.py I have this code:

def test_function():
 a = "aaa"

In test2.py I have this code:

from test1 import *
def test_function2():
 print(a)
test_function2()

I can import "test_function" (and call the function) into test2.py but i cannot use the variable "a" in test2.py .

Error : Unresolved reference "a" .

I would like to know if it possible to use "a" inside test2.py .

• user11574227: I tried making the variable "a" global in "test_function" but it didn't work , I tried making it global in "test_function2" but it said variable not defined at module level.
• CristiFati: test1.py is invalid (you wanted the 2nd line indented)?
• user11574227: sorry mistake when pasting code

Answer 1

In test1.py you could have a function that returns the value of the variable a

def get_a():
 return a

And when you're in test2.py you can call get_a().

So in test2.py do this to essentially move over the value of a from test1.py.

from test1 import *
a = get_a()
def test_function2():
 print(a)
test_function2()

• user11574227: That won't help.I need a solution inside one of these functions

Answer 2

Test1.py

def test_function():
 a = "aaa"
 return a

Test2.py

import test1
def test_function2():
 print(test1.test_function())
test_function2()

• user11574227: I didn't explain myself well , test_function should only have the variable "a" and do nothing (not return a in this example)

Answer 3

What are the rules for local and global variables in Python?¶

In Python, variables that are only referenced inside a function are implicitly global. If a variable is assigned a value anywhere within the function’s body, it’s assumed to be a local unless explicitly declared as global.

So make the variable a global and call test_function() in test1 module so that it makes a as global variable while loading modules

test1.py

def test_function():
 global a
 a = "aaa"
test_function() 

test2.py

from test1 import *
def test_function2():
 print(a)
test_function2()

Answer 4

a is only defined in the scope of test_function(). You must define it outside the function and access it using the global keyword. This is what it looks like:

test1.py

a = ""
def test_function():
 global a
 a = "aaa"

test2.py

import test1
def test_function2():
 print(test1.a)
test1.test_function()
test_function2()

Answer 5

test1.py's code will be this.

def H():
 global a
 a = "aaa"
H()

and test2.py's code will be this.

import test1 as o
global a
o.H()
print(o.a)

This will allow you to call test one H

Answer 6

Your code works perfect (with 'a' defined outside out the test1_function), was able to print 'a'. So try the following : 1. Make sure it is a global variable in test1. 2. Import test1 in an interactive session and find out the bug. 3. Double check the environment setup.

Thanks ! :)

• J Arun Mani: @redhunter,if you don't want a return function, you can then make a class and add 'a' inside it and refer it in test2, but its like 'burning the house to kill a cockroach'