A.1) What is the preferred name for libraries that get imported into your script. I've seen them called modules, packages, libraries..
A.2) When is the best time to import said items?
I've always done all of my importing at the top of the script, however I'm starting to see examples where people import just before using the functionality they are importing.
Is there any benefit in doing it either way?
A.3) from x import y vs. import x. Is there any performance difference?
I didn't find the right solution from the Internet.
References:http://www.python-forum.org/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=21034

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You must take some literature about Python to learn basic idioms. Because your questions is so noobs and answered in any book. And yes there are a lot of solutions in Internet about Python. If you cant find it - it is your problem, you must to teach yourself how find information in Internet.