How do I find the current module name in Python?

In Python, every module has a built-in variable __name__ that contains the current module's name. When a script is run directly, __name__ equals '__main__'. When imported as a module, it contains the actual module name.

Basic Usage of __name__

Let's check the value and type of __name__ in a running script:

print(__name__)
print(type(__name__))

__main__
<class 'str'>

Using __name__ for Script Entry Point

The most common use is to create code that only runs when the file is executed directly:

def main():
    print('Testing...')
    print('This runs only when script is executed directly')

if __name__ == '__main__':
    main()

Testing...
This runs only when script is executed directly

Module Name Detection

Here's a function that demonstrates how __name__ changes based on execution context:

def show_module_info():
    print(f'Current module name: {__name__}')
    print(f'Is this the main module? {__name__ == "__main__"}')

show_module_info()

if __name__ == '__main__':
    print('Running as main script')
else:
    print('Running as imported module')

Current module name: __main__
Is this the main module? True
Running as main script

Practical Example

This pattern is useful for creating modules that can both be imported and run standalone:

def calculate_area(radius):
    """Calculate circle area"""
    return 3.14159 * radius ** 2

def run_tests():
    """Test function for demonstration"""
    test_radius = 5
    area = calculate_area(test_radius)
    print(f'Area of circle with radius {test_radius}: {area}')

# This only runs when script is executed directly
if __name__ == '__main__':
    print('Running circle calculator tests...')
    run_tests()

Running circle calculator tests...
Area of circle with radius 5: 78.53975

Key Benefits

Conclusion

Use __name__ to determine if your script is running directly or being imported. The if __name__ == '__main__': pattern is essential for creating reusable modules with optional standalone functionality.