ImportError: cannot import name 'hf_hub_download' from 'huggingface_hub'

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04-10-2024

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"ImportError: cannot import name 'hf_hub_download' from 'huggingface_hub'" - Solved!

This error message often pops up when you're working with Hugging Face's huggingface_hub library and trying to download files from the Hugging Face Hub. It's frustrating because the library seems to be installed correctly, but the function you need simply isn't there!

Here's a typical scenario:

Imagine you're building a machine learning model and need to download a pre-trained model from the Hugging Face Hub. You write your Python code, including this line:

from huggingface_hub import hf_hub_download

But when you try to run the code, you get the dreaded error:

ImportError: cannot import name 'hf_hub_download' from 'huggingface_hub'

What's going on?

The error means that the hf_hub_download function, which you're trying to import, doesn't exist in the huggingface_hub library. This usually happens due to a version mismatch.

The Solution:

The problem is that the hf_hub_download function was removed in the huggingface_hub library from version 0.11.0 onwards. This change was made to streamline the library and provide a more unified way to interact with the Hugging Face Hub.

To fix the error, you have two main options:

1. Update your huggingface_hub library to the latest version:

   pip install --upgrade huggingface_hub
   

   After upgrading, use the new cached_download function instead of hf_hub_download. Here's how:

   from huggingface_hub import cached_download
   
   model_url = "https://huggingface.co/google/bigbird-roberta-base/resolve/main/config.json"
   config_path = cached_download(model_url, library_name="huggingface_hub")
   print(f"Config file downloaded to: {config_path}")
   

2. Downgrade your huggingface_hub library to a version that includes hf_hub_download (version 0.10.0 or lower):

   pip install huggingface_hub==0.10.0
   

   This approach is not recommended for most users. It might lead to compatibility issues with other libraries and prevent you from accessing the latest features.

Important Note:

If you're using huggingface_hub within a project that relies on other libraries, like transformers, always ensure they are compatible with the same huggingface_hub version.

Beyond the Error:

Understanding the cached_download function is crucial for effective work with the Hugging Face Hub. Here's a quick breakdown:

• cached_download(url, library_name): This function downloads the file from the provided URL. It automatically checks if the file is already cached on your system. If it is, it will directly use the cached version, saving you time and bandwidth.
• **library_name: ** This argument is optional and specifies the library you're using. It helps the function identify the cache directory for the specific library.

Let's summarize:

• The hf_hub_download function is deprecated.
• Upgrade your huggingface_hub library to the latest version (recommended).
• Use the cached_download function as a replacement for hf_hub_download.
• If you must use the hf_hub_download function, downgrade your huggingface_hub library. However, this is not recommended as it may lead to compatibility problems.

By understanding the changes and adapting your code accordingly, you can ensure a smooth experience with the powerful Hugging Face Hub.