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runpy Module

The runpy module provides tools to locate and execute Python modules without importing them, useful for script execution.

Complexity Reference

Operation Time Space Notes
run_module() O(n) O(n) Execute module
run_path() O(n) O(n) Execute file/dir
Module lookup O(1) avg, O(n) worst O(1) Hash-based; O(n) worst case due to hash collisions

Running Modules

Execute Module by Name

import runpy

# Run module - O(n)
runpy.run_module(
    'json.tool',
    run_name='__main__'
)

# Equivalent to: python -m json.tool

Execute Script File

import runpy

# Run file - O(n)
result = runpy.run_path('script.py', run_name='__main__')

# Access module namespace
print(result.get('variable_name'))