In reply to stefaniemcg:
Good question. I used https://chat.openai.com/ to help me with the answer since it will address good SW engineering practices. I agree with ChatGpt’s answer.
The location where you should import a package in your code depends on several factors and best practices. Typically, you should import packages at the top of your file, before any other code. Here are some considerations:
At the Top of the File: Importing packages at the top of your file is a widely accepted convention in most programming languages. This makes it clear to anyone reading your code which external dependencies your code relies on. It also helps prevent circular dependencies and makes it easier to manage your imports.
Content Local vs. Non-Content Local: The choice between importing a package from a content-local location (a subdirectory of your project) or a non-content local location (a system-wide package) depends on the nature of the package and your project’s requirements:
Content Local Imports: You should use content local imports for packages that are specific to your project and aren’t intended to be used globally. These are typically packages you or your team have developed for your project. Organizing them within your project’s directory structure helps maintain encapsulation and simplifies package management within your project.
Non-Content Local Imports: For third-party packages or packages intended to be shared across multiple projects, you should use non-content local imports. These packages are usually installed globally or within a virtual environment. This allows you to manage dependencies separately from your project and makes it easier to update or switch to different versions of the package.
Virtual Environments: In many programming languages, it’s also common to create virtual environments for your projects. Virtual environments isolate dependencies for each project, making it easier to manage package versions and avoid conflicts between projects. You would typically install non-content local packages within the virtual environment.
Consider Organizational Practices: In some larger projects, you may have guidelines or conventions that dictate where to place certain imports or how to structure your code. Always follow the guidelines and practices established by your project or organization.