AttributeError: module 'torch' has no attribute '_utils'

If we experience an AttributeError, specifically AttributeError: module 'torch' has no attribute '_utils', it suggests that we’re trying to access an attribute or module in PyTorch that doesn’t exist or has changed in our current version of PyTorch.

The potential causes of this error and their solutions are outlined down below.

Possible causes

This error usually arises due to the following reasons:

  1. Incorrect PyTorch version: We might have used an incorrect version of PyTorch When coding in various projects or assignments.

  2. Import errors or conflicts: We might have import errors in our code.

  3. Incompatible libraries: We might have incompatible libraries causing conflicts with PyTorch.

Cause 1: Incorrect PyTorch version

This error often happens when we use a different version of PyTorch and our code is trying to access a module or attribute that is available in one version but not in another. In other words, different versions might have different module structures and attributes.

Solution 1

One of the methods to resolve this issue is by making sure we're using the correct version of PyTorch for our code. We can check the PyTorch version using the following Python script.

#importing the Pytorch library
import torch
#The installed version of PyTorch is printed on the screen
print(torch.__version__)

Note: If we’re working with a specific code project or example, we must check which PyTorch version is required for that code.

Solution 2

Another method of resolving this error is upgrading the already installed version of PyTorch on our systems. We should make sure to update any other relevant packages or dependencies as well. This can be done using the pip command as shown below.

pip install torch --upgrade

Let's take a look at what the output of this command will look like in the terminal.

Terminal 1
Terminal
Loading...

After executing the command for upgrading, we run the pip show torch command to check the PyTorch version.

Cause 2: Import errors or conflicts

If we have a scenario where we’ve imported a different module with the same name in our code, it’ll cause a conflict in importing libraries in the code we’re working on. For instance, we name our Python file as torch.py or import a custom-made module with the name torch.

Solution

To avoid such import errors, we must select file names that are dissimilar to the module names we're used to seeing. In addition, we must be wary of typos or mistakes in library names when we import them.

Cause 3: Incompatible libraries

If we're using other libraries alongside PyTorch, they may require specific PyTorch versions. Such libraries include the fastai, PyTorch Geometric, and Transformers libraries.

Solution

To resolve this issue, we must verify that these libraries are compatible with the version of PyTorch that’s installed on our system. Also, if we’re working in a virtual environment, we must make sure that we’re working in the correct environment in which we’ve installed PyTorch and its relevant libraries to avoid conflicting dependenciesConflicting dependencies refer to a situation where different parts of a program or different software libraries require or depend on different versions of the same external library or package, with these versions being incompatible with each other..

Conclusion

By adhering to the suggested solutions presented above, we'll be able to identify and resolve the Attribute Error: module 'torch' has no attribute '_utils' error. As a good practice, we should regularly refer to the official PyTorch documentation and release notes for our specific PyTorch version for any updates or deprecated attributes.

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