Getting import error when trying to load Python module from Google Drive directory

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1

I’m working on a machine learning project and trying to import a custom Python module that I stored in my Google Drive folder. The file is located in a subfolder but when I attempt to import it, Python throws an error and can’t find the module.

Here’s what I’m trying to do:

# attempting to access my custom module for data processing
import sys
sys.path.append("/content/drive/MyDrive/MLProject/Speech Analysis/helpers/")

from helpers import data_processor
training_data, validation_data, testing_data = data_processor.build_and_export_csv_dataframes(source_dir, output_dir, shuffle_data, train_test_ratio)

I’ve tried different approaches but keep running into import issues. Has anyone encountered similar problems when working with custom modules stored in Google Drive? What’s the proper way to handle Python imports from Drive folders in Colab?

2

Your path structure is the problem. When you add the helpers directory to sys.path, import directly from there - don’t try importing helpers as a submodule. Try this:

import sys
sys.path.append("/content/drive/MyDrive/MLProject/Speech Analysis/")
from helpers import data_processor

You could also add the parent directory and use dot notation. Google Colab gets weird with deeply nested folders, especially ones with spaces or special characters. If you can flatten your directory structure, do it - makes debugging way easier when stuff breaks.

3

check for spaces in your folder names - that’s usually what breaks imports. “Speech Analysis” has a space that’ll cause issues. rename it to “speech_analysis” or escape the path properly. also double-check your file permissions in gdrive.

4

I ran into this exact problem recently. You’re overcomplicating the import statement. Since you’ve already added the helpers folder to sys.path, just use import data_processor instead of from helpers import data_processor. Don’t forget to put an __init__.py file in your helpers folder - without it, Python won’t recognize it as a package. Also, make sure Google Drive is mounted with drive.mount('/content/drive') before trying to import anything. Use os.path.join() for your paths too - it’ll save you headaches when switching between systems.