importerror cannot import name 'safe_str_cmp' from 'werkzeug.security'

cannot import name ‘safe_str_cmp’ from ‘werkzeug.security’

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When you encounter ImportError cannot import name ‘safe_str_cmp’ from ‘werkzeug.security’ while working with Python, it can be a frustrating experience.

Obviously, this error indicates that there is an issue with importing the safe_str_cmp function from the Werkzeug security module, and it can prevent you from running your Python code.

In this article, we will look for solutions to resolve this issue.

What is Importerror: cannot import name ‘safe_str_cmp’ from ‘werkzeug.security’?

The Importerror: cannot import name ‘safe_str_cmp’ from ‘werkzeug.security‘ is an error that occurs when modules are trying to access safe_str_cmp function, however, it was removed in Werkzeug v2.1.0.

Possible Causes

Possible Causes of “Importerror cannot import name ‘safe_str_cmp’ from ‘werkzeug.security‘” error include the following:

  • Outdated versions of Werkzeug and Flask
  • Incompatible versions of Werkzeug and Flask
  • Issues with virtual environments

How to fix Importerror cannot import name ‘safe_str_cmp’ from ‘werkzeug.security’

Now that we knew the causes and what kind of error Importerror: cannot import name ‘safe_str_cmp’ from ‘werkzeug.security’ is, here are the following solutions you can consider.

Upgrading Werkzeug and Flask

One way to fix this is upgrading the module to the latest version especially if you’re using an outdated version of Werkzeug or Flask.

To do this run the following command to the terminal.

pip install --upgrade werkzeug flask

Definitely, it should upgrade the Werkzeug and Flask to the latest versions.

Checking compatibility of versions

When the error persists even after upgrading to the latest versions of Werkzeug and Flask, you may need to check the compatibility of the versions you’re using.

You can do this by checking the release notes of the respective libraries to ensure that they are compatible with each other.

Updating virtual environment

If you’re using a virtual environment, updating the virtual environment may resolve the issue.

You can do this by running the following commands in your terminal.

deactivate
pip install --upgrade virtualenv
virtualenv venv
source venv/bin/activate
pip install --upgrade werkzeug flask

This will deactivate the current virtual environment, upgrade virtualenv, create a new virtual environment, activate the new virtual environment, and install the latest versions of Werkzeug and Flask.

Pinning Werkzeug to Version 2.0.0

Another solution to the ImportError message is to pin Werkzeug to version 2.0.0. you can do this by using the given command:

pip install Werkzeug~=2.0.0

This solution is advised for users who are not using other modules that require Werkzeug v2.1.0 or higher.

Werkzeug v2.1.0 removed the safe_str_cmp function, which caused this ImportError message.

By pinning Werkzeug to version 2.0.0, you can ensure that you’re using a version of Werkzeug that still includes the safe_str_cmp function.

However, this solution may not be suitable for all users, especially if you’re using other modules that require Werkzeug v2.1.0 or higher.

Use Alternative Modules

Another solution to the ImportError message is to use the hashlib and hmac modules instead of Werkzeug.security.

These modules provide similar functionality as the safe_str_cmp function and are compatible with Werkzeug v2.1.0 and higher.

To use these alternative modules, you can replace any instances of Werkzeug.security with hashlib and hmac.

However, this solution may require some code changes and may not be suitable for all users, especially if you’re using other modules that rely on Werkzeug.security.

Anyway, here are other fixed errors you can consider when somehow you might encounter them.

Conclusion

The “cannot import name ‘safe_str_cmp’ from ‘werkzeug.security‘” error can be frustrating to deal with, but it’s important to resolve it in order to ensure that your Python code is running smoothly and securely.

By understanding the causes of the error and using the solutions we’ve provided, you should be able to resolve the issue and continue working on your Python projects with confidence.

I hope this article has helped you fix the error.

Until next time! 😊