AttributeError: Partially Initialized Module (Circular Import)

Why This Happens

When Python imports a module, it searches the current directory first. If you have a file named json.py, random.py, or os.py, Python imports your file instead of the standard library. Your file then tries to import the real module but finds itself.

The Problem

# File named json.py
import json
data = json.loads('{"key": "value"}')

The Fix

# Rename file to json_parser.py
import json
data = json.loads('{"key": "value"}')

Step-by-Step Fix

1. 1

   Check for file name conflicts

   Look for .py files that share a name with standard library modules.

2. 2

   Rename the conflicting file

   Also delete any .pyc cache in __pycache__.

3. 3

   Verify the import

   Run print(json.__file__) to confirm which module is imported.