Python: import mysql fails outside venv

Question

I get the ModuleNotFoundError: no module named 'mysql' error when I run a Python script.

I am a novice to Python programming. The mysql-connector was installed via environment (python3 -m venv env). When env is active (source env/bin/activate) 'pip list' shows a (short) list including mysql-connector and the script runs without error. When env is not active, 'pip list' does not contain mysql-connector and the script fails with the above error. What am I missing? What do I have to do so that the script can run without activating env first?

Why would you think you could use a module outside the virtual environment if you installed inside the virtual environment? — ShadowRanger
– ShadowRanger, Commented Jan 21 at 21:43
This is the correct behavior. It's what you want. You should only install packages in a virtual environment to keep your system and other python environments clean. You should run within your environment. — Metropolis
– Metropolis, Commented Jan 21 at 23:32

John Gordon · Accepted Answer · 2025-01-21 21:38:53Z

1

You must have installed the mysql package while the venv was active, therefore it is only available inside of the venv.

The solution is simple -- install the package again, while the venv is not active, so that it is available everywhere.

answered Jan 21 at 21:38

John Gordon

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mkrieger1 · Accepted Answer · 2025-01-21 23:30:08Z

0

When I tried pip install mysql-connector I got a 'externally managed environment' error, and that was the reason I created a virtual environment as stated in the error message.

However, another Google search led to this: sudo mv /usr/lib/python3.11/EXTERNALLY-MANAGED /usr/lib/python3.11/EXTERNALLY-MANAGED.old. This got rid of the externally managed error, and I was able to install mysql-connector without venv. Idk if this is a 'dirty' solution or not, but it worked.

edited Jan 21 at 23:30

mkrieger1

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answered Jan 21 at 22:09

cabwav

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