What is the purpose of the import statement in Python?

The purpose of the import statement in Python is to include external libraries or modules in the program. When a module is imported, you gain access to its functions, classes, and variables, allowing you to leverage existing code and resources without needing to rewrite or duplicate that code. This promotes code modularity, reuse, and better organization, making it easier to maintain large codebases.

Using the import statement is fundamental for utilizing Python’s extensive standard libraries as well as third-party packages available via tools like pip. By importing only the necessary components of external libraries, you maintain efficiency and avoid unnecessary resource usage within your program.