what is python runpy module?

python, runpy

Solution

The docs say:

The runpy module is used to locate and run Python modules without importing them first. Its main use is to implement the -m command line switch that allows scripts to be located using the Python module namespace rather than the filesystem.

You can run a python module like this:

python -m SimpleHTTPServer 8000

The `runpy` module enables this functionality. It may not be useful outside of this context.

Problem

I was wondering the purpose of `runpy` module in Python and how does it help in day to day development of the Python user community? Can someone please explain the necessity, usage and advantages of `runpy` module in python?

Original source