Python AttributeError: partially initialized module 'random' has no attribute 'choice' (most likely due to a circular import)

While working on a Python project to generate random words using the random module, I encountered an error: "AttributeError: partially initialized module 'random' has no attribute 'choice' (most likely due to a circular import)." This issue can be frustrating, but there are solutions to fix it.

Let's see the error again.

Its a simple Python code where I have imported the random module (a built-in module) and using the choice() method that returns a random element. But unfortunately, it threw the error.

Also read: The easiest way to open a text (.txt) file and read its content as it is in Python.

Solution:

The solution is very simple and at the end I realize that I made a very common mistake.

Take another look at the image above 👆. The file is named random.py. It's crucial that the local file name differs from the module you're importing. This naming conflict "confused" the Python interpreter, leading it to believe "there's a circular dependency".

Note: A circular dependency occurs when two or more modules depend on each other directly or indirectly, creating a loop.

🚀 When working with Python, always ensure that your local file names (any file in the folder) do not match the names of Python's built-in modules that you are importing. This prevents conflicts and avoids confusing the Python interpreter.

Changing the name of the file solved the issue. Check this out.

You may also like: How to fetch data from an XML file using URL in Python?

← PreviousNext →