Workaround for PythonTool's ModuleNotFoundError: No module named "xxxxx" issue

[psoma]

Hi

While using the Python Tool, sometimes designer throws an error when we try to install or import a specific Python package in Alteryx Designer

error message - " ModuleNotFoundError: No module named 'XXXXX'.

Often this occurs on a local machine where Alteryx Designer is installed in the Windows programs folder like "C:\Program Files" due to Admin rights privilege. 

@Jonathan_ in one of his posts mentioned below 2 options as an alternative:

Option 1:

Run Alteryx Designer in elevated mode / as an admin

then from Python tool:

from ayx import Alteryx
Package.installPackages(['PyPDF2'])

Option 2:

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator (not necessary for Alteryx Designer non-admin)
2. Enter the following:

For Designer admin:

cd "%PROGRAMFILES%\Alteryx\bin\Miniconda3\PythonTool_venv\Scripts"
pip install PyPDF2

Below is another option that worked for me, with non-admin privilege.

Option 3:

1. Install python package in a separate lib directory, other than the default Alteryx Designer's python virtual environment ( 

   from ayx import Alteryx
   import sys
   print(sys.executable )

    
2. load the installed packages from the new Lib directory
3. insert the below code snippet with your required package name in a new cell and run it

from ayx import Package
from ayx import Alteryx

Alteryx.installPackages(package="logger",
install_type="install --target=C:\\workspace\\Alteryx\\python\\myPythonLibs")

import sys
sys.path.insert(1,'C:\\workspace\\Alteryx\\python\\myPythonLibs')

import logger
logger.logging.info("Logger imported successfully")

Note: install all the required dependencies 

Hope this is useful

[JamesHa · Accepted solution]

@psoma 

Thanks for providing another workaround! I really like the following articles as well:

https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Alteryx-Designer-Knowledge-Base/How-To-Use-Alteryx-installPackages-...

https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Alteryx-Designer-Discussions/Manage-packages-for-Python-Tool-with-C...

https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Alteryx-Designer-Discussions/Python-Tool-How-to-install-additional-...

As always we have the best community.  

Thanks

James,