Fixing ModuleNotFoundError When Installing Python Requirements in WSL with venv

Learn how to resolve the `ModuleNotFoundError` when setting up Python requirements in WSL with virtual environments by following this step-by-step guide.
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Troubleshooting Python Installation Issues in WSL

Setting up a local development environment can sometimes present unique challenges, especially when you're trying to replicate a vendor's code repository. One common issue users encounter is the ModuleNotFoundError when running scripts in a Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) environment. In this article, we’ll explore how to resolve this problem when trying to install Python requirements using venv in WSL.

The Problem: Understanding the Scenario

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Despite attempting to install the requests module multiple times, you consistently receive a “Requirement already satisfied” message. This leaves you puzzled about why you’re still facing the ModuleNotFoundError for a module that supposedly is already installed.

Analyzing the Shell Script

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You may notice something peculiar about the activation of the virtual environment. The line for activating the environment is using a dot (.) followed by a space without the source command.

The Solution: Correcting the Activation Command

To resolve this issue, we need to modify the script to properly activate the virtual environment. The corrected version should look like this:

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Breakdown of Changes:

source Command: By including source before the path to the activation script, we ensure that the virtual environment is correctly activated in the current shell session. Without this, the environment may not load the installed modules, leading to the error you encountered.

Ensuring the Correct Environment: Always verify that your terminal session is using the correct Python interpreter linked to your virtual environment, especially when using multiple environments.

Final Thoughts

If you're still facing issues even after these changes, consider checking:

If the virtual environment is indeed activated (check with which python and pip list)

By identifying the root of the problem and taking the necessary steps to correct it, you can streamline your setup and get back to developing effectively.