Title: Why do some scripts use *import requests as* instead of just *import requests*?
Hey folks!
I’ve been seeing a lot of scripts using *import requests as req* or something similar. Like, why not just *import requests* directly? Is there a legit reason or is it just a style thing?
I get that *import requests as req* can save a few keystrokes if you’re using it a ton, but does it actually make the code cleaner? Or is it just extra fluff?
Also, does it mess with readability? Like, if someone else reads your code, do they gotta mentally map "req" to "requests" every time?
Kinda curious if there’s a *right* way to do this or if it’s just preference.
Thanks!
It's mostly a style thing, but there are cases where *import requests as req* makes sense. If you're working with multiple libraries that have long names or similar functions, shortening them can reduce confusion.
For example, if you're also using `urllib.request`, having both as just "request" could get messy. Using "req" keeps it clear which one you're referencing.
Readability depends on the team—some prefer full names, others like shorthand. No right answer, just what works for your project.
Honestly, I used to think *import requests as req* was just laziness, but it grew on me. When you're writing a big script with tons of calls to the library, typing "req.get()" instead of "requests.get()" saves time and wrist strain.
That said, if the script is short, it might feel unnecessary. It’s like nicknaming a coworker you only see once a month—kinda pointless.
It’s all about context. If you’re working solo, do whatever. But in a team, consistency matters. Some shops enforce a style guide that bans aliasing unless absolutely needed.
Also, if you’re using *import requests as req*, make sure it’s obvious. Don’t alias it to something cryptic like "r" or "x"—that’s just asking for confusion.
I alias liberally, but only if it improves readability. *import requests as req* is fine, but I’ve seen people do *import requests as r*, and that’s where it gets ugly.
Tools like PyCharm or VSCode can show you the original import on hover, so aliasing isn’t as scary for newcomers. But still, keep it sensible.
It’s a trade-off between brevity and clarity. *import requests as req* is short but still recognizable. If you’re using the library a LOT, the keystroke savings add up.
But if someone’s new to Python, they might not immediately connect "req" with "requests." So, weigh who’s reading your code.
I’m team full-name unless there’s a collision. *import requests* is just clearer, especially in shared code. But if you’re dealing with something like `from module import super_long_name as short`, then aliasing makes sense.
For requests specifically, it’s so common that most devs will recognize "req" instantly. Still, no harm in keeping it explicit.
Thanks for all the insights! I tried both ways in a small script, and I see the appeal of *import requests as req* now—it does feel smoother when you’re calling it repeatedly.
But I’ll probably stick with full imports for shared code since my team prefers clarity over brevity. Appreciate the perspectives!
Aliasing can help avoid conflicts. Imagine if you had a variable named "requests" for some reason—using *import requests as req* saves you from shadowing the library name.
But yeah, overdoing it can backfire. If every import is aliased, the code becomes a puzzle. Use it sparingly.
It’s 100% preference, but there’s a case for *import requests as req* in Jupyter notebooks or quick scripts where you’re typing fast. Less typing = fewer errors.
For bigger projects, though, I’d stick with the full name unless there’s a good reason not to.
