REFERENCEpython

python Documentation

📖 INDEX

# print

# arithmetic-operators

# assignment-operators

# comparison-operators

# logical-operators

# identity-operators

# membership-operators

# keyword-arguments-kwargs

# default-parameter-value

# class-methods-classmethod

# static-methods-staticmethod

# dunder-methods

# try-block

# except-block

# else-block-exceptions

# list-comprehensions

# dictionary-comprehensions

# set-comprehensions

# iterators

# property-decorator-property

# context-managers-contextmanager

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as Keyword

AI & DATA SCIENCE // as-keyword

The as keyword renames an imported module or name (or an exception, or a context manager's result) to a different local name.

Syntax

import numpy as np
from collections import OrderedDict as OD
except ValueError as e:
with open(f) as file:

Deep Dive Course

as shows up in several unrelated Python constructs, always meaning 'bind this to a different, local name': import module as alias lets you refer to a module by a shorter or conflict-free name, like the widespread convention of aliasing numpy to np; from module import name as alias renames a specific imported name; except ExceptionType as e binds the caught exception object to e; and with expr as name binds whatever a context manager's __enter__ returns. In every case, as is just introducing a local binding for something on its left.

1Understanding as Keyword

💡

Follow established community aliasing conventions, like aliasing numpy to np or pandas to pd, rather than inventing your own — consistent aliases make code instantly recognizable to anyone familiar with those libraries.

editor.html

import datetime as dt
now = dt.datetime(2026, 1, 1)
print(now.year)

localhost:3000

2Practical Example

Here is a real-world application of as Keyword showing how it is used in production Python code.

editor.html

try:
    import numpy as np
except ImportError as e:
    print(f"numpy not available: {e}")
    np = None

localhost:3000

3Best Practices

Follow these guidelines when working with as Keyword:

1. Use as to shorten long or commonly-typed module names, following widely recognized conventions where they exist

2. Use as to avoid a naming collision when two modules would otherwise export the same name

3. Give the exception variable in an except clause a short, conventional name like e, since it's typically used briefly right where it's caught

⚠️

Tip: Follow established community aliasing conventions, like aliasing numpy to np or pandas to pd, rather than inventing your own — consistent aliases make code instantly recognizable to anyone familiar with those libraries.

editor.html

import datetime as dt
now = dt.datetime(2026, 1, 1)
print(now.year)

localhost:3000

Examples

Example 01Basic Usage

import datetime as dt
now = dt.datetime(2026, 1, 1)
print(now.year)

Example 02Advanced Example

try:
    import numpy as np
except ImportError as e:
    print(f"numpy not available: {e}")
    np = None

Best Practices

Use as to shorten long or commonly-typed module names, following widely recognized conventions where they exist
Use as to avoid a naming collision when two modules would otherwise export the same name
Give the exception variable in an except clause a short, conventional name like e, since it's typically used briefly right where it's caught

Interview Question

What do the `as` used in imports, in except clauses, and in with statements all have in common, despite being three unrelated Python features?▼

Hint: Think about what `as` actually does grammatically in each case.

In all three, as introduces a local name bound to something that already exists on its left: the imported module or name, the exception object currently being handled, or whatever a context manager's __enter__ method returned. It's not a special feature of imports, exceptions, or context managers individually — it's a general piece of Python syntax for 'bind the thing on the left to this name', reused consistently across several different statements.

Exercises

MediumPractice using as Keyword in a real scenario.

View Solution

import datetime as dt
now = dt.datetime(2026, 1, 1)
print(now.year)

Frequently Asked Questions

What do the `as` used in imports, in except clauses, and in with statements all have in common, despite being three unrelated Python features?▼

Related Functions

import-statementfrom-importexcept-block