ImportError: attempted relative import with no known parent package error occurs when attempting to import a module or package using a relative import syntax, but Python is unable to identify the parent package. In this article, we will see how to solve Importerror: Attempted Relative Import With No Known Parent Package (Python).

What is ImportError: Attempted Relative Import With No Known Parent Package?

The “ImportError: attempted relative import with no known parent package” error typically arises in Python projects with multiple modules or packages. Python uses the concept of packages and modules to organize code into manageable units. When attempting to perform a relative import, Python relies on the presence of a parent package to resolve the import statement. However, if Python cannot identify the parent package, it raises the “ImportError.”

Error Syntax:

ImportError: attempted relative import with no known parent package

Below are some of the reasons why ImportError: attempted relative import with no known parent package occurs in Python:

• Incorrect package structure
• Missing init.py file

Incorrect Package Structure

One common reason for this error is an incorrect or inconsistent package structure. Python expects a specific structure to recognize packages and modules correctly. If the package structure deviates from this standard, Python may fail to identify the parent package.

my_package/module.py

def hello():
    print("Hello from module.py")

my_package/main.py

from .module import hello

def main():
    hello()

if __name__ == "__main__":
    main()

Output

Missing utils.py file

The utils.py file is missing in one of the directories, which is crucial for Python to recognize it as a package. Without the utils.py file, Python won’t recognize the parent package, leading to the ImportError.

folder/main.py

from .utils import some_function

def main():
    some_function()

Output

Solution: ImportError: Attempted Relative Import With No Known Parent Package

Below are the solution for mportError: Attempted Relative Import With No Known Parent Package in Python:

• Correct Package Structure
• Create utils.py File

Correct Package Structure

Correct the code of main.py file as shown below then run the code.

my_package/main.py

from module import hello  

def main():
    hello()

if __name__ == "__main__":
    main()

Output

Hello from module.py

Create utils.py ( Missing) File

Create utils.py file and write below code and also correct the code of main.py file, the error will resolve.

folder/utils.py

#utils.py

def some_function():
    print("This is some_function() from utils.py")

folder/main.py

from utils import some_function

def main():
    some_function()
    
if __name__ == "__main__":
    main()

Output

This is some_function() from utils.py