[Python-Dev] Writing importers and path hooks

[Paul Moore]

On 27 March 2013 21:19, Bradley M. Froehle <brad.froehle at gmail.com> wrote:
> I implemented just such a path hook ---- zipimporter plus the magic required
> for C extensions --- as a challenge to myself to learn more about the Python
> import mechanisms.
>
> See https://github.com/bfroehle/pydzipimport.

Apologies for hijacking the thread, but it's interesting that you
implemented your hook like this. I notice that you didn't use any of
the importlib functionality in doing so. Was there a particular
reason? I ask because a few days ago, I was writing a very similar
importer, as I wanted to try a proof of concept importer based on the
new importlib stuff (which is intended to make writing custom
importers easier), and I really struggled to get something working.

It seems to me that the importlib documentation doesn't help much for
people trying to import path hooks. But it might be just me. Does
anyone have an example of a simple importlib-based finder/loader? That
would be a huge help for me. In return for any pointers, I'll look at
putting together a doc patch to clarify how to use importlib to build
your own path hooks :-)

Thanks,
Paul