Syntaxerror: future feature annotations is not defined

Syntaxerror: future feature annotations is not defined

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In this article, we will show you how to fix the syntaxerror: future feature annotations is not defined in Python.

Since we need to fix this error, we just need to have a better understanding of what this error is all about first.

Continue reading as we discuss the insights on how you can resolve the future feature annotations is not defined in a simple and effective way.

What is “future feature annotations”?

The future feature annotations, also known as type annotations. This feature was introduced in newer versions of programming languages like (Python 3.7) and is described in PEP 563.

It allows users to use forward references in type annotations, which can be useful when defining classes that reference each other.

Apart from that, it allows users to annotate variables, function parameters, and return types with specific types or hints, enhancing code readability and enabling static type checking.

What is “syntaxerror future feature annotations is not defined” in Python?

The syntaxerror: future feature annotations is not defined error message occurs when you are trying to use the from future import annotations statement in a version of Python that does not support the feature.

In addition to that, this error message indicates that the code includes annotations that the interpreter does not recognize.

And making it impossible for the interpreter to understand and execute the instructions correctly, which leads to this syntax error.

This statement is only available starting from Python version 3.7. And if you are using an older version of Python, you will need to upgrade to at least version 3.7 to be able to use this feature.

Why does “future feature annotations is not defined” error occur?

The syntaxerror: future feature annotations is not defined occurs when programmers or developers inadvertently use newer language features without considering the compatibility with the Python version they are currently using.

On the hand, Syntax errors can occur because of several reasons, such as:

❌ Misspelled keywords.

❌ Missing or misplaced punctuation.

❌ Incorrect indentation.

How to fix the “syntaxerror: future feature annotations is not defined” in Python?

To fix the syntaxerror future feature annotations is not defined, it is important to ensure that you are using a compatible version of the programming language that supports future feature annotations.

Upgrading to a newer version or modifying the code to remove the unrecognized annotations can resolve the issue.

Here are the following solutions you can use to resolve this error:

Solution 1: Check your Python version

To check the Python version, open your terminal or command prompt and execute the following command:

✅ python -V

or

✅ python --version

Output:

Python 3.11.2

Alternatively, you use the following code to check your Python version”

✅ import sys
print(sys.version)

Output:

3.11.2 (tags/v3.11.2:878ead1, Feb  7 2023, 16:38:35) [MSC v.1934 64 bit (AMD64)]

If your version is lower than 3.7, you have to upgrade it in a newer version.

Solution 2: Upgrade Python version

Since the future feature annotations only available starting from Python version 3.7. And if you are using an older version of Python.

The, you to execute the following command to upgrade your Python version:

✅ python -m pip install --upgrade pip

If you want to install the specific version of Python, use the following command:

✅python -m pip install --upgrade python==3.7

Solution 3: Remove the from future import annotations statement

When you do not need to use postponed evaluation of annotations, you can simply remove the from future import annotations statement from your code.

For example:

from __future__ import annotations

def foo(b: 'B') -> int:
    return 52

result = foo(10)
print(result)

If you are using Python version 3.7 below, the above code won’t work for you.

And if updating the language version is not resolving the error.

You can modify the code to remove the unrecognized annotations by removing future feature annotations.

Just ensure compatibility with the current Python version you are using.

Corrected code:

def foo(b: 'B') -> int:
    return 52

result = foo(10)
print(result)

Output:

52

Conclusion

In conclusion, the syntaxerror: future feature annotations is not defined error message occurs when you are trying to use the from future import annotations statement in a version of Python that does not support the feature.

We already discussed above what this error is all about and multiple ways to resolve this error.

By executing the solutions above you can master this Syntaxerror in Python with the help of this guide.

You could also check out other “SyntaxError” articles that may help you in the future if you encounter them.

We are hoping that this article helps you fix the error. Thank you for reading itsourcecoders 😊

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