In this article, we’ll walk you through how to fix the nameerror name ‘json’ is not defined error message in Python.
If you’re having a hard time dealing with this error, we got you.
Apparently, because this article discusses the solutions for nameerror: name ‘json’ is not defined.
What is “nameerror name ‘json’ is not defined”?
The nameerror: name ‘json’ is not defined occurs when you’re trying to use the json module but the module is not yet imported or installed.
This error message can occur due to several reasons, such as a typo in the module name or a missing import statement at the beginning of the code.
For example:
data = {"website": "Itsourcecode", "visits": 1000000}
json_string = json.dumps(data)
print(json_string)
If you try to run this code, it will throw a nameerror that indicates name ‘json’ is not defined.
How to fix “nameerror: name ‘json’ is not defined”?
To fix the error message nameerror name ‘json’ is not defined, you need to add the line import json at the top or beginning of your Python script.
1. Check if the json module is installed
You have to check if the json module is already installed, if yes, you can use and import it. However, if it’s not, you need to install it first.
Use the following command to install json module:
✅ pip install simplejson
If the above command did not install the module, use this command:
✅ easy_install simplejsonOftentimes, easy_install works if pip doesn’t function well.
2. Import the json module
The most common solution to this error is to import the json module at the beginning of your code.
Take note: you have to import the module at the top or beginning of your code so that you can able to use it throughout your Python code.
For example:
✅ import json
data = {"website": "Itsourcecode", "visits": 1000000}
json_string = json.dumps(data)
print(json_string)
As you can see, the “json” module is imported at the top or beginning of the code, which allows us to use the “dumps()” function to convert the dictionary to JSON.
Output:
{"website": "Itsourcecode", "visits": 1000000}3. Use “from” keyword to import specific
You can also use the “from” keyword to import specific functions from the “json” module.
✅ from json import dumps
data = {"website": "Itsourcecode", "visits": 1000000}
json_string = dumps(data)
print(json_string)As you will notice its results in the same output in our previous example above, but we have imported only the “dumps()” function from the “json” module using the “from” keyword.
Output:
{"website": "Itsourcecode", "visits": 1000000}
Conclusion
The nameerror: name ‘json’ is not defined occurs when you’re trying to use the json module but the module is not yet imported or installed.
This article explores what this error is all about and already provides solutions to help you fix this error.
You could also check out other “nameerror” articles that may help you in the future if you encounter them.
- Nameerror name data is not defined
- Nameerror name requests is not defined
- Nameerror: name image is not defined
We are hoping that this article helps you fix the error. Thank you for reading itsourcecoders 😊
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Python NameError and what causes it?
NameError is raised when Python encounters a name (variable, function, class) that hasn’t been defined in the current scope. Most common causes: typo in variable name, using a variable before assigning it, missing import, or referencing a variable that was defined inside a function but accessed outside it.
How do I fix ‘name X is not defined’?
Check three things: (1) Is the name a typo? Compare with the spelling where you defined it. (2) Did you import it? Add ‘from module import X’ or ‘import module’ at the top. (3) Is X defined in a different scope (inside a function, conditional branch, or with-block) that hasn’t executed yet at the point you’re using it? Move the definition before the use.
Why does my variable work in one cell but not another (Jupyter)?
Jupyter kernels keep state between cells. If you defined X in cell 5 and run cell 3 later, X exists. But after Kernel-Restart, only the cells you re-run define their variables. Always run cells top-to-bottom on a fresh kernel before submitting. Use ‘Restart and Run All’ to verify your notebook is reproducible.
What is the difference between NameError and AttributeError?
NameError: the name itself doesn’t exist anywhere in scope (typo, missing import, scope issue). AttributeError: the name exists and points to an object, but that object has no such attribute/method (typo on method name, wrong object type). NameError is about the variable; AttributeError is about what’s inside it.
Where can I find more NameError fixes?
Browse the NameError reference hub for 49+ specific fixes (NumPy, pandas, Jupyter, Python 2 to 3 migration). For Python scope rules see the Python Tutorial hub. For attribute-level errors see AttributeError.
Caren Bautista
Technical Writer at PIES IT Solution
Responsible for crafting clear, well-structured, and beginner-friendly content across the platform. Handles the writing, proofreading, and editorial review of tutorials, guides, and documentation to ensure every article is accurate, readable, and easy to follow.
Expertise: Technical Writing · Content Creation · Documentation · Editorial Writing · JavaScript · TypeScript · Python · Python Errors · HTTP Errors · MS Excel · View all posts by Caren Bautista →