isort is a Python utility and library to sort imports alphabetically and automatically separate them into sections and by type.
isort solves the problem of maintaining consistent import organization across Python codebases. It works by parsing import statements and reordering them according to configurable rules, grouping them into logical sections and sorting them alphabetically within those sections. The tool can be invoked from the command line to process files recursively, integrated into editors through plugins, or called directly from Python code. It supports viewing proposed changes before applying them and can run atomically to verify that changes do not introduce syntax errors.
The tool suits any Python project seeking to enforce import consistency without manual effort. The tool offers extensive configuration options for controlling import organization, including custom sections, ordering rules, multi-line output modes with twelve possible formatting styles, indentation control, and balanced wrapping to produce visually even import layouts. Editor plugins are available for various text editors, with a wiki documenting the available integrations.
The project maintains active engagement with pull requests and community contributions. Development shows responsiveness to user needs through documented compatibility guides and integration support. The codebase demonstrates sustained attention to edge cases and configuration flexibility, with comprehensive documentation covering both basic usage and advanced customization scenarios.
