What do you use __init__.py for?

[redefined.horizons at gmail.com]

I have just started learning about Python Packages. I know that a
directory must contains the '__init__.py'  script to be considered a
Python package, and that this script is executed when the package is
imported.

But what other uses does the '__init__.py'  script have? What do you
use it for?

I imagine it could provide, at the least, some helpful metadata about
the contents and dependencies of the package.

I'm just looking for ideas...

Thanks,

Scott Huey