How To Import Function From Another Python File In Databricks

Importing Functions from Another Python File in Databricks

To import functions from another Python file in Databricks, you can use Python’s import mechanism. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Create a Python File: First, create a Python file in your Databricks workspace. You can do this by navigating to the workspace browser, selecting a directory, clicking on “Create” > “File”, and naming your file (e.g., my_module.py).
2. Write Your Function: In the newly created file, define the function you want to import later. For example:

def my_function(x):
  return x * 2

3. Import the Function: To import this function into another notebook or Python file, you need to ensure that the directory containing your module is in the Python path. If the module is in the same directory as your notebook, you don’t need to modify the path. Otherwise, you can add the directory to the path using:

import sys
import os
sys.path.append(os.path.abspath('path/to/your/module'))

Then, you can import your function like this:

from my_module import my_function

Now you can use my_function in your notebook.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I import Python modules from notebooks stored in Git folders?

A: No, you cannot import source code from a notebook stored in a Databricks Git folder. Instead, add the notebook directly when creating or editing a pipeline.

Q: How do I handle relative paths in Databricks?

A: In Databricks Runtime 14.0 and above, the default current working directory (CWD) for code executed locally is the directory containing the notebook or script being run. Use relative paths accordingly.

Q: What if multiple libraries have the same name?

A: Databricks uses precedence rules to determine which library to load when multiple libraries of the same name exist.

Q: Can I use the DisplayHTML function to display Python code?

A: Yes, you can use the DisplayHTML function to display HTML content, but it’s not specifically designed for displaying Python code. It’s more useful for displaying formatted text or HTML content.

Q: How do I import modules from a Git folder?

A: When importing modules from a Git folder, you must prepend “/Workspace/” to the path. For example, sys.path.append('/Workspace/...').

Q: Are there any limitations to importing modules in Databricks?

A: Yes, in Databricks Runtime versions below 13.3 LTS, libraries added to the sys.path must be explicitly installed on executors.

Q: Can I use Markdown to format text in Databricks notebooks?

A: Yes, Databricks notebooks support Markdown for formatting text. However, for more complex formatting or displaying HTML content, you might use the DisplayHTML function.

Bottom Line: Importing functions from another Python file in Databricks involves creating a Python module, ensuring it’s accessible via the Python path, and importing it into your notebook. This approach helps modularize your code and streamline development.

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