Fixing the ‘Module Has No Attribute’ Error When Importing qrcode in Python

Introduction

Encountering the error AttributeError: module 'qrcode' has no attribute 'QRCode' when working with Python’s qrcode module? This is a common issue caused by naming conflicts. In this blog, we’ll explore why this happens and how to fix it.

Understanding the Problem

The error typically looks like this:

import qrcode

qr_code = qrcode.QRCode()

Error Output:

AttributeError: module 'qrcode' has no attribute 'QRCode'

This happens because Python is mistakenly importing a local file named qrcode.py instead of the actual qrcode library.

How to Fix It

1. Rename Your Script

If your script is named qrcode.py, Python treats it as the qrcode module, causing conflicts. Rename your script to something else, such as:

✅ Correct File Names:

• generate_qr.py
• qr_generator.py
• my_qrcode_script.py

2. Delete Cached Files

Even after renaming, Python might still use cached imports. To fix this, delete the __pycache__ directory inside your project:

• On macOS/Linux, run: rm -rf __pycache__
• On Windows, manually delete the __pycache__ folder from your project directory.

3. Run Your Script Again

Now, retry running your script:

python generate_qr.py

Your script should now work correctly.

Best Practices to Avoid This Issue

✔ Avoid naming files after Python libraries (e.g., pandas.py, numpy.py, requests.py). ✔ Use meaningful names for scripts (e.g., qr_generator.py instead of qrcode.py). ✔ Use Virtual Environments to manage dependencies properly.

Conclusion

This error is a simple yet common mistake that can be quickly fixed by renaming files and clearing cached imports. By following best practices, you can avoid similar issues when working with Python libraries.

Now go ahead and generate those QR codes without any hassle! 🚀

GitHub Repository

For the complete code and examples, visit my GitHub repository: Python QR Code Generator