Loading Modules in Python

Python software is organized in so-called modules. You can think of them as toolboxes. For instance if you need mathematical functions you could load the numpy (numerical python) module. Since you need to work with data taken in modern lab all you really need to do is loading the LabTools box : LT.box. It automatically loads several other useful modules and functions that are then available to you.

There are several ways of loading modules and you can consult the python modules tutorial for detailed information. Here just a short summary with an example: The simplest version is (here the numpy module is used)

In [1]: import numpy

In order to access the (sin) function of the {numpy} module you need to also give the name of the module:

In [2]: x = numpy.sin(5.)

Another possibility is to give it numpy a new name after you imported it:

In [1]: import numpy as np
In [2]: x = np.sin(5.)

or if you do not want to have to enter the module name you can do:

In [1]: from numpy import *
In [2]: x = sin(5.)

The danger here is, that if you have defined sin in another module previously it is now redefined.

For the LT.box module I suggest you do:

In [1]: import LT.box as B  # load the LT.box module and call it B

In that way you always know that the function comes from the tool box. The numpy module is already loaded in the box and you can access it as B.np.