[Fixed] importerror: attempted relative import with no known parent package

The error ImportError: attempted relative import with no known parent package typically occurs when you’re using relative imports in a script that’s executed as the main module (e.g., directly via python script.py) rather than as part of a package.

Why It Happens

Relative imports rely on the module being part of a package structure. When a script is executed directly, Python treats it as the top-level script, so the relative import doesn’t have a “parent package” context.

How to Fix It

1. Use Absolute Imports Instead

Replace relative imports with absolute imports. For example:

Python

# Instead of
from .module import something

# Use
from package_name.module import something

Make sure to adjust the package_name to match the actual package structure.

2. Run the Script as Part of a Package

Instead of running the script directly, execute it as part of the package using the -m flag:

bash

python -m package_name.module_name

Example: Given the structure:

arduino

project/
│
├── package_name/
│   ├── __init__.py
│   ├── module.py
│   └── script.py
└── main.py

If script.py has:

python

from .module import something

Run it like this:

bash

cd project
python -m package_name.script

3. Adjust the Python Path

Modify the PYTHONPATH environment variable so Python can recognize the package structure. Add the project root to PYTHONPATH:

bash

export PYTHONPATH=$(pwd)

Then run the script:

bash

python package_name/script.py

4. Add a Parent Directory Dynamically

If running the script directly is unavoidable, you can add the package directory to sys.path:

python

import sys
from pathlib import Path

sys.path.append(str(Path(__file__).resolve().parent.parent))
from module import something  # Adjust import as needed

5. Reorganize Your Code

Consider restructuring your project to avoid running scripts that use relative imports directly. Instead, have a single entry-point script (e.g., main.py) that calls other modules.

General Advice

  • Use absolute imports for better clarity and maintainability.
  • Follow Python’s best practices for project structure.
  • Avoid running modules with relative imports directly; instead, execute them in the package context.

Hope this information shared by hire tech firms on this error helps you!