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Can't import scipy

This works:

from scipy import stats  
def initialize(context):  
    ...  

However this gives an error:

def initialize(context):  
    from scipy import stats  

"ImportError: cannot import name stats"

Why does the import only work in the global scope? If this is not a bug why do you disallow local imports?

5 responses

i think this has to do with the limitations of the quantopian sandbox it's there for security reasons, and you'll bump into it occasionally. for example: https://www.quantopian.com/posts/build-error-annoyances-nonexistent-property-sid

That was my initial guess but I don't see any reason why a local import could present a security issue, especially since Quantopian manages the packages themselves. But of course security is a messy thing so I'm sure there are a bunch of concerns that I'm simply unaware of.

Hi Samuel,

This wasn't an intentional design decision, but rather likely something we didn't consider! This might be a bug and we'll take a look at the security implications of allowing local imports. While we investigate, it's worth noting that your algo will run the same way if you use global imports.

Cheers,
Alisa

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Great, thanks!

Samuel, just to follow up, this issue has been fixed for a bit. Your example should now work.

Disclaimer

The material on this website is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation to buy, or a recommendation or endorsement for any security or strategy, nor does it constitute an offer to provide investment advisory services by Quantopian. In addition, the material offers no opinion with respect to the suitability of any security or specific investment. No information contained herein should be regarded as a suggestion to engage in or refrain from any investment-related course of action as none of Quantopian nor any of its affiliates is undertaking to provide investment advice, act as an adviser to any plan or entity subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, individual retirement account or individual retirement annuity, or give advice in a fiduciary capacity with respect to the materials presented herein. If you are an individual retirement or other investor, contact your financial advisor or other fiduciary unrelated to Quantopian about whether any given investment idea, strategy, product or service described herein may be appropriate for your circumstances. All investments involve risk, including loss of principal. Quantopian makes no guarantees as to the accuracy or completeness of the views expressed in the website. The views are subject to change, and may have become unreliable for various reasons, including changes in market conditions or economic circumstances.