Why Does Importing a Locally Named Module Conflict with Core Modules in Python?

How Importing from a Local Library with the Same Name as a Core Module Can Cause Errors

When attempting to import a third-party library in Python, you may encounter errors like AttributeError: module has no attribute, ImportError, or NameError if the local script shares the same name as the intended module.

Understanding the Name Collision

Python preemptively adds the current directory to its search path (sys.path). Therefore, the local module takes precedence over the installed module with the same name. This precedence can lead to name conflicts when you attempt to import the intended library.

Errors and Recommendations

• AttributeError: Using plain import raises this error as it cannot access the library's functionality. Solution: Rename your local script to avoid the name collision.
• ImportError: Using "from-import" for a specific name results in this error. Solution: Rename the local script.
• ImportError: Using "from-import" for a module within the library causes this error. Solution: Rename the local script.
• NameError: Using a star-import raises this error as the imported functions remain undefined. Solution: Rename the local script.

Additional Considerations

• The Python interpreter may generate a pyc file for your local module (.pyc in pycache in Python 3). Delete this file as it can perpetuate the error even after renaming the script.
• Avoid naming your scripts as commonly used module names, such as "math" or "calendar."

Conclusion

Renaming the local script is the primary solution to resolve this issue. By avoiding name collisions, you can successfully import and utilize the intended library without errors.

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