pythonmoduleptvs

PTVS: How to reference or use Python source code in one project from a second project

In Visual Studio with PTVS I have two separate Python projects, one contains a Python source file named lib.py for use as a library of functions and the other is a main that uses the functions in the library. I am using an import statement in the main to reference the functions in the library project but get the following error:

No module named lib

I primarily program in F# using Visual Studio so my mindset is adding references to other .NET projects.

How do I think in the Pythonic way to accomplish this?

Solution

  • Python does not use references like .NET does but uses a path which is searched. The search path needs to be modified to include the directory containing the source file. See: The Module Search Path

    Looking at the project in Visual Studio with Solution Explorer shows Search Paths for each project.

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    To modify the search path:

    Get the directory for the Python file containing the source code to import.

    e.g. lib.py

    In Solution Explorer right click on lib.py and select Copy Path

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    Now for the project that will import the module
    e.g. ConsoleDriver_Python

    Right click Search Paths and select Add Folder to Search Path...

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    which displays a select folder dialog

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    Right click and paste in the path from the clipboard. Also change it to a directory by removing the file name.

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    Click Select Folder

    Now check the project to make sure Search Path was updated.

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    The import error should now be cleared.