Resolving ModuleNotFoundError When Importing Python Modules in Google Colab

Learn how to fix `ModuleNotFoundError` when importing custom Python modules in Google Colab with step-by-step guidance to manage file paths effectively.
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Troubleshooting Module Imports in Google Colab

When working with Google Colab, it’s common to run into hurdles when importing Python modules that you’ve created. One of the most frequent errors you'll encounter is the ModuleNotFoundError, which can be particularly annoying, especially if you’ve taken the time to upload your files correctly.

Understanding the Problem

A user recently faced this issue while trying to import a test function from a .py file. Although the file seemed to exist in the right directory, the import statement still led to an error:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

This error indicates that Python is unable to locate the specified module, which might be due to a number of reasons related to how file paths are handled in the Colab environment.

Steps to Resolve the Issue

1. Ensure Proper Mounting of Google Drive

One of the first things to check in Google Colab is whether your Google Drive is properly mounted. This makes all your files visible to the Colab environment. Here’s how you can mount your drive:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

2. Set Up the Correct File Path

After mounting your drive, you need to ensure your script knows where to look for files. Here’s how you can set up the path correctly.

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

3. Verify Your Current Working Directory

It’s important to check the working directory and confirm that it’s set where your module is located. Use the following commands to check:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

This should display all the files in the specified directory. Make sure your PPLLM.py file appears in the list.

4. Import the Module Correctly

The most critical step is how you import the module. Unlike some programming environments, Python does not require the file extension when importing a module. You should modify your import statement like so:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Example Code

Here’s the complete code with all the steps integrated:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Conclusion

By addressing the structure of your import statement, you can easily resolve the ModuleNotFoundError and begin using your custom functions in Google Colab. Remember to ensure your Google Drive is mounted properly, and always check the working directory.

If you keep these steps in mind, you’ll be able to manage your Python modules efficiently in Google Colab, enhancing your data science and machine learning projects significantly. Happy coding!