Reasoning behind `from ... import ...` syntax in Python

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I always wondered why the syntax for importing specific objects from a module is from module import x, y, z instead of import x, y, z from module. I'm not a native speaker, but isn't the latter more correct/natural?

So, what is the reason to put the from first? Is it merely to simplify the grammar (require less lookahead)? Is it an attempt to make the two kinds of imports visually more distinct? Or is it one of these cases where the obvious way is "not obvious at first unless you're Dutch"? ;)

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8 Answers

From https://docs.python.org/3/reference/simple_stmts.html#import:

import foo # foo imported and bound locally import foo.bar.baz # foo.bar.baz imported, foo bound locally import foo.bar.baz as fbb # foo.bar.baz imported and bound as fbb from foo.bar import baz # foo.bar.baz imported and bound as baz from foo import attr # foo imported and foo.attr bound as attr

I conclude it's a matter of local availability/binding.

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