How Can I Avoid the 'Attempted Relative Import in Non-package' Error in Python?

Relative Imports in Python

Understanding relative imports in Python is crucial to avoid the "Attempted relative import in non-package" error.

Script vs. Module

A key distinction arises from the loading method of a Python file. When executed directly as a script, its name is set to __main__. Conversely, if it's imported, its name includes package information.

Naming Conventions

For example, if moduleX in package/subpackage1/moduleX.py is imported, its name becomes package.subpackage1.moduleX. However, if run directly, its name is __main__.

Relative Imports

Relative imports rely on a module's name to determine its package hierarchy. Modules with names containing no dots are not seen as part of a package.

Error Cause

The error occurs when relative imports are attempted in modules whose names indicate they're not in a package (i.e., their names lack dots). This includes scripts (since main has no dots) and modules loaded directly from the current directory (where Python adds the current directory to its search path).

Solutions

• Execute as a Module: Use python -m package.subpackage1.moduleX to run moduleX as a module, allowing relative imports.
• Place Elsewhere: Move any scripts using moduleX to a location outside the package directory, enabling relative imports in those scripts.

Notes

• The package directory must be accessible in Python's search path.
• In Python 2.6 , the package attribute also influences package resolution for modules.

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