Can I change the order where python looks for a module first?

Question

Imagine I have a script, let's say my_tools.py that I import as a module. But my_tools.py is saved twice: at C:\Python27\Lib and at the same directory from where the script is run that does the import.

Can I change the order where python looks for my_tools.py first? That is, to check first if it exists at C:\Python27\Lib and if so, do the import?

Answer 1

You can manipulate sys.path as much as you want... If you wanted to move the current directory to be scanned last, then just do sys.path[1:] + sys.path[:1]. Otherwise, if you want to get into the nitty gritty then the imp module can be used to customise until your hearts content - there's an example on that page, and one at http://blog.dowski.com/2008/07/31/customizing-the-python-import-system/

Answer 2

You can modify sys.path, which will determine the order and locations that Python searches for imports. (Note that you must do this before the import statement.)