what are the applications of the python reload function?

Question

I have been wondering about the reload() function in python, which seems like it can lead to problems if used without care.

Why would you want to reload a module, rather than just stop/start python again?

I imagine one application might be to test changes to a module interactively.

Answer 1

I imagine one application might be to test changes to a module interactively.

That's really the only use for it. From the Python documentation:

This is useful if you have edited the module source file using an external editor and want to try out the new version without leaving the Python interpreter.

Answer 2

reload is useful for reloading code that may have changed in a Python module. Usually this means a plugin system.

Take a look at this link:

http://www.codexon.com/posts/a-better-python-reload

It will tell you the shortcomings of reload and a possible fix.

Answer 3

Adding a link to my new reimport module that was released yesterday. This provides a more thorough reimport than the reload() builtin. With this reimport you can be sure that class changes and function updates will get reflected in all instances and callbacks.

http://code.google.com/p/reimport/