python - Why/how does named vs wildcard import affect parameters? -

so... i'm tinkering basic python/tkinter programs, , translating code python 2.x in book i'm reading, 3.x make sure understand everything. attempting write code 'proper' named imports instead of wild card import i.e. from tkinter import * not working out well...

what has me baffled @ moment this: original code wildcard import of tkinter, , seems able 'get away with' not using quotes around parameter variables sticky=w, while if named import have use quotes around 'w' or error unresolved reference 'w'.

example code (wildcard import):

from tkinter import * root = tk()  label(root, text="username").grid(row=0, sticky=w) label(root, text="password").grid(row=1, sticky=w) entry(root).grid(row=0, column=1, sticky=e) entry(root).grid(row=1, column=1, sticky=e) button(root, text="login").grid(row=2, column=1, sticky=e)  root.mainloop() 

named import:

import tkinter tk  root = tk.tk()  tk.label(root, text="username").grid(row=0, sticky='w') tk.label(root, text="password").grid(row=1, sticky='w') tk.entry(root).grid(row=0, column=1, sticky='e') tk.entry(root).grid(row=1, column=1, sticky='e') tk.button(root, text="login").grid(row=2, column=1, sticky='e')  root.mainloop() 

both work, why python recognize 1 way 1 time, , not other?

from tkinter import * 

loads tkinter module, , puts in global namespace.

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import tkinter tk 

loads tkinter module, and put in tk namespace. label tk.label, , w tk.w

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your third option, better when need few objects module, be:

from tkinter import label, entry, button, w, e, tk 

etc. again, better when need 1 or two. not situation. included completeness.

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^{fortunately have 1 import * or you'd have harder time determining module came from!}

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edit:

tkinter.w = 'w' tkinter.e = 'e' tkinter.s = 's' tkinter.n = 'n' 

they're constants. pass string value , work well.