Why does Importerror: Cannot Import NameError Occurs?

Below, are the reason that’s why Importerror: Cannot Import Name occurs in Python:

• Circular Import
• Incorrect Module Reference
• Typo in Import Statement

Circular Import

Below, the code consists of two Python modules, `module_a.py` and `module_b.py`. `module_a` imports `function_b` from `module_b`, and `module_b` imports `function_a` from `module_a`, creating a circular dependency. This circular import structure can lead to the “ImportError: Cannot Import Name” when attempting to use functions from either module.

module_a.py

module_b.py

Output:

Hangup (SIGHUP)
Traceback (most recent call last):
  File "Solution.py", line 2, in <module>
    from module_b import function_b
Importerror: No module named 'module_b'

Incorrect Module Reference

In below, code `main.py` attempts to import `my_function` from `mymodule`, but `mymodule.py` defines a function named `another_function`. This inconsistency causes an `ImportError: Cannot Import Name` when calling `my_function()` in `main.py`.

main.py

mymodule.py

Output:

Hangup (SIGHUP)
Traceback (most recent call last):
  File "Solution.py", line 2, in <module>
    from mymodule import my_function
Importerror: No module named 'mymodule'

Typo in Import Statement

In `myscript.py`, an attempt to import and execute `my_function` from `utils` causes an `ImportError: Cannot Import Name` because the function is defined later in `utils.py`. To resolve, switch the order of the import statement and function definition in `utils.py`.

myscript.py

utils.py

Output:

Hangup (SIGHUP)
Traceback (most recent call last):
  File "Solution.py", line 2, in <module>
    from utils import my_function
Importerror: No module named 'utils'

One common error that developers encounter is the “ImportError: Cannot Import Name.” This error occurs when the Python interpreter is unable to import a particular name or module within your code. In this article, we’ll explore what causes this error and provide solutions to fix it.

What is ImportError: Cannot Import Name?

The “ImportError: Cannot Import Name” error typically occurs when there is a circular import or a dependency loop in your Python code. Circular imports happen when two or more modules depend on each other, creating a loop that confuses the interpreter. As a result, Python raises an ImportError because it cannot determine the correct order of module imports.

Syntax:

Importerror: Cannot Import Name