Troubleshooting Spyder Failure on Anaconda 2-4.3.21/2-4.4.0: ImportError: No module named shutil_get_terminal_size

Troubleshooting Spyder Failure on Anaconda 2-4.3.21/2-4.4.0: ImportError: No module named shutil_get_terminal_size

If you’re a data scientist who uses Anaconda for managing your Python environments, you may have encountered an error when trying to launch Spyder, the popular Python IDE. The error message reads: ImportError: No module named shutil_get_terminal_size. This issue is particularly common with Anaconda versions 2-4.3.21 and 2-4.4.0. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the steps to troubleshoot and resolve this issue.

Understanding the Issue

The shutil_get_terminal_size module is a part of Python’s standard library, and it’s used to get the terminal size in characters. The error message ImportError: No module named shutil_get_terminal_size suggests that Python can’t find this module. This issue is often due to a conflict between different Python versions or environments.

Step 1: Verify Your Python Version

First, let’s verify the Python version you’re using. Open your terminal and type:

python --version

If you’re using Python 2.7, you should consider upgrading to Python 3, as Python 2 is no longer supported. If you’re using Python 3, proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Check Your Python Environment

Next, check which Python environment you’re using. If you’re using Anaconda, type:

conda info --envs

This command will list all your Anaconda environments. Make sure you’re using the correct environment.

Step 3: Update Your Anaconda Environment

If you’re using the correct environment, try updating your Anaconda environment. This can often resolve the issue. Type:

conda update --all

This command will update all packages in your current Anaconda environment.

Step 4: Reinstall the ipython Package

If updating your Anaconda environment doesn’t resolve the issue, try reinstalling the ipython package. The shutil_get_terminal_size module is a part of the ipython package, so reinstalling it can often fix the issue. Type:

conda uninstall ipython
conda install ipython

Step 5: Create a New Anaconda Environment

If none of the above steps work, consider creating a new Anaconda environment. This can help isolate the issue. Type:

conda create -n new_env python=3.8
conda activate new_env

Then, install Spyder in the new environment:

conda install spyder

Conclusion

The ImportError: No module named shutil_get_terminal_size error can be frustrating, but it’s usually due to a conflict between Python versions or environments. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you should be able to resolve the issue and get back to coding in Spyder.

Remember, keeping your Python environments and packages up-to-date is crucial for avoiding these types of issues. If you’re still having trouble, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Anaconda or Spyder communities for help.

We hope this guide has been helpful. Stay tuned for more technical guides and tips for data scientists!

Keywords: Spyder, Anaconda, Python, ImportError, shutil_get_terminal_size, data science, troubleshooting, Python IDE, Python environments, ipython, conda

About Saturn Cloud

Saturn Cloud is your all-in-one solution for data science & ML development, deployment, and data pipelines in the cloud. Spin up a notebook with 4TB of RAM, add a GPU, connect to a distributed cluster of workers, and more. Join today and get 150 hours of free compute per month.