Flask import error "cannot import name 'Flask'"

Question

I am trying to use the python module flask, and I have successfully installed it with pip. I can run the following in the command prompt python terminal and in the python shell:

    from flask import Flask

It works just fine. However, when I try to run that exact same command in a saved python document, I get the following error:

    Traceback (most recent call last):
      File "C:\Users\Matthew\Desktop\flask.py", line 1, in <module>
        from flask import Flask
      File "C:\Users\Matthew\Desktop\flask.py", line 1, in <module>
        from flask import Flask
    ImportError: cannot import name 'Flask'

I have browsed the internet and stack exchange looking for a solution, but non have worked.

falsetru · Accepted Answer · 2017-09-24T02:39:04.710

22

Rename the filename flask.py to other name; It prevents import of the third-party flask module because your file is searched first.

Also make sure there's no flask.pyc file remaining.

edited Sep 24 '17 at 02:39

answered Sep 24 '17 at 02:26

falsetru

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where can I find these files? – Matthew Sep 24 '17 at 02:28
@Matthew, As the error message suggest, you can find it in `C:\Users\Matthew\Desktop` directory. (maybe your desktop) – falsetru Sep 24 '17 at 02:30
that is the name of my python code file – Matthew Sep 24 '17 at 02:36
@Matthew, I know. The script filename `flask.py` prevent proper import of `flask` module because two name conflict; Rename the script filename to other name. – falsetru Sep 24 '17 at 02:38
@Matthew, Also make sure there's no `C:\Users\Matthew\Desktop\flask.pyc` remain as noted in the answer. – falsetru Sep 24 '17 at 02:38
sorry, I misinterpreted what you were saying. Now it works perfectly thanks! – Matthew Sep 24 '17 at 02:39

Flask import error "cannot import name 'Flask'"

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