Relative Imports
I usually use imports like this only for one reason
from .foo import barfrom .other import sampleThe reason being If Tomorrow, my module name changes from say 'test' to 'mytest' then the code does not require a refactoring. The code works without breaking.
Update
All imports starting with a '.' dot, only works within that package.Cross package imports need require the whole path.
If test is another app,
from .other import samplewont work.
Update:
You can only use relative imports when you're importing from the same app.
Inside test app
from .other import samplewill work. But you'll still need the complete form
from cones.foo import barif you import method defined in foo from test app.
So answering your question the second way is the correct way.