Smartsheet SDK 3.5.2+ Error: ModuleNotFoundError In Tests

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Smartsheet SDK 3.5.2+ Error: ModuleNotFoundError in Tests

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into a tricky bug that surfaced in Smartsheet SDK versions 3.5.2 and up. This issue causes a ModuleNotFoundError when running local repository tests. If you're a developer using Smartsheet and running into this, you're in the right place. Let's break down the bug, how to reproduce it, the expected behavior, and the environment where this issue occurs.

Understanding the Smartsheet SDK Bug

So, what's the deal? When you install Smartsheet SDK versions 3.5.2 or 3.5.3, the SDK includes the tests directory from the Smartsheet repository as a usable package. This is where the problem starts. Your local repository also has a tests directory, and these two directories get mixed up, leading to confusion and errors. Basically, the Python interpreter gets tripped up trying to figure out which tests directory to use, resulting in the dreaded ModuleNotFoundError. This is super frustrating because it prevents your tests from running correctly, and nobody wants that!

When you install Smartsheet SDK versions 3.5.2 or later, the installation process mistakenly includes the SDK's internal tests directory as part of the installed package. This inclusion creates a naming conflict with the tests directory in your local repository, where you write your application's tests. When Python tries to import modules within your local tests directory, it might instead look at the SDK's tests directory, which doesn't contain your test modules. This confusion leads to the ModuleNotFoundError, disrupting your testing workflow. Imagine you're building a house and suddenly the blueprint starts including plans from a different building – that's the level of chaos we're talking about here! This issue not only affects the immediate testing process but also undermines the reliability of your development pipeline. Ensuring your tests run correctly is crucial for maintaining code quality and preventing bugs from creeping into production. By understanding the root cause, we can better tackle the problem and find effective solutions to keep our projects running smoothly.

How to Reproduce the ModuleNotFoundError

Alright, let's get practical. Here’s how you can reproduce this bug step-by-step. This way, you can see the issue firsthand and confirm if you're experiencing the same problem. Trust me, walking through this will make the explanation much clearer!

  1. Set up a virtual environment: First things first, create a clean virtual environment. This isolates your project dependencies and prevents conflicts. You can do this using python3 -m venv venv and then activate it with source venv/bin/activate on macOS or Linux, or .\venv\Scripts\activate on Windows.
  2. Install the Smartsheet SDK: Now, install the problematic Smartsheet SDK version. Use pip to install version 3.5.2: pip install smartsheet-python-sdk==3.5.2. This is the version that introduces the bug, so it's crucial for reproducing the issue.
  3. Create a basic app: Set up a simple application structure. Create a src directory, and inside it, a myapp directory. Add an app.py file within src/myapp/ – this can be a basic Python file with some placeholder code.
  4. Create a test: Next, create a tests directory at the root of your project. Inside tests, create a test_myapp.py file. This is where your tests will live. Write a simple test function; it doesn't need to be complex.
  5. Create a utility module: This is the key step that triggers the bug. Inside the tests directory, create another directory called utils. Add a utils.py file inside tests/utils/. This module will simulate a utility function or helper module that your tests might use.
  6. Import the utility module: In your tests/test_myapp.py file, import the utils module you just created: from tests.utils import utils. This import statement is where the conflict arises.
  7. Run your tests: Finally, run your tests using a testing tool like pytest: pytest tests/. If everything is set up correctly, you should see the ModuleNotFoundError: No module named tests.utils error.

By following these steps, you’ll see the ModuleNotFoundError in action. This confirms that the Smartsheet SDK is indeed including its internal tests directory, causing the import conflict. Reproducing the bug is the first step in understanding how to fix it!

Expected Behavior

Okay, so we've seen the bug in action. But what should happen when things are working correctly? When you install the smartsheet-python-sdk, you should only see the core smartsheet library installed in your virtual environment. The SDK’s internal test suite should not be included as part of the installed package. This separation ensures that your project’s test structure remains isolated and doesn’t clash with the SDK’s internal workings. When you navigate to your virtual environment’s site-packages directory, you should find only the smartsheet library and its associated metadata (like the .dist-info directory). This clean setup prevents the ModuleNotFoundError and keeps your tests running smoothly.

In a properly functioning setup, your project’s tests directory and the Smartsheet SDK’s internal tests remain separate. This isolation is crucial for a few reasons. First, it prevents naming conflicts like the one we’re discussing. Second, it keeps your test environment clean and predictable. You want your tests to run against your code, not against the SDK’s internal test suite. Finally, this separation aligns with standard Python packaging practices. Libraries should only include the code necessary for their functionality, not their internal testing infrastructure. Imagine if every library you installed dumped its test suite into your project – it would be chaos! By understanding the expected behavior, we can better identify deviations and work towards maintaining a clean and reliable development environment.

Environment Details

To give you a complete picture, here are the environment details where this bug has been observed. Knowing the specific setup can help you determine if you're likely to encounter the issue and can assist in troubleshooting.

  • Operating System: MacOS Sequoia 15.6.1
  • Smartsheet API Version: V1 (This is the current version of the Smartsheet API)
  • Smartsheet Python SDK Version: 3.5.2 and 3.5.3 (These are the versions known to introduce the bug)
  • Python Version: 3.11 (This is the Python version used when the bug was reported)

This combination of factors seems to trigger the ModuleNotFoundError. If you're running a similar setup, you're more likely to encounter this issue. However, it's worth noting that similar issues might arise in other environments with slight variations in the OS or Python version. The key takeaway is that Smartsheet SDK versions 3.5.2 and 3.5.3 are the primary culprits. If you're using these versions, it's essential to be aware of this bug and take steps to mitigate it. Reporting the environment details helps the Smartsheet team pinpoint the issue and work on a fix. It also helps the community understand the scope of the problem and collaborate on solutions or workarounds. By sharing this information, we contribute to making the Smartsheet SDK more robust and reliable for everyone.

Workarounds and Solutions

Now that we've dissected the bug and know exactly what's going on, let's talk solutions! Nobody wants to be stuck with a broken test suite. Here are a few workarounds and potential fixes you can try to get your tests running smoothly again.

  1. Downgrade to Smartsheet SDK 3.5.1: This is the simplest and most immediate workaround. Version 3.5.1 doesn't have the bug, so downgrading will get you back on track. You can do this with pip: pip install smartsheet-python-sdk==3.5.1. This is a temporary fix, but it will unblock you while we figure out a more permanent solution.
  2. Adjust your PYTHONPATH: Another workaround involves tweaking your PYTHONPATH environment variable. You can modify it to ensure that your project’s tests directory is prioritized over the SDK’s. However, this is a more advanced solution and can have unintended side effects if not done carefully. It’s generally safer to stick with the downgrade for now.
  3. Restructure your project (less recommended): You could potentially rename your local tests directory to something else, avoiding the conflict. However, this is a significant change to your project structure and might not be feasible if you have existing CI/CD pipelines or other tooling that relies on the tests directory. It’s generally better to avoid this approach unless absolutely necessary.

The ideal solution, of course, is for the Smartsheet team to release a new version of the SDK that fixes this bug. In the meantime, downgrading to 3.5.1 is the recommended workaround. Keep an eye on the Smartsheet SDK release notes for updates. Once a fix is available, you can upgrade to the latest version without worrying about the ModuleNotFoundError. In the meantime, remember that the best approach is to downgrade to version 3.5.1. It's a quick and easy way to get your tests running again, and it buys you time while the Smartsheet team works on a permanent fix. By staying informed and proactive, we can keep our development workflows smooth and efficient.

Conclusion

So, there you have it – a deep dive into the ModuleNotFoundError bug in Smartsheet SDK versions 3.5.2 and up. We've covered what the bug is, how to reproduce it, the expected behavior, and some potential workarounds. Hopefully, this has given you a solid understanding of the issue and how to tackle it. Remember, downgrading to version 3.5.1 is your best bet for now. Keep an eye out for updates from the Smartsheet team, and happy coding, guys!