Stuck in a Pythonic paradox? Seeing that dreaded 'Cannot use import statement outside a module' error? Don't panic! It usually boils down to a misunderstanding of how Python handles modules versus scripts.
Essentially, Python distinguishes between code intended for direct execution (scripts) and reusable code packaged as modules. This error arises when you try to use `import` statements in a file that Python thinks should be run directly, not imported.
**Quick Fixes:**
1. **Check your filename:** Ensure your main script isn't named the same as a module you're trying to import (e.g., avoid naming your script `random.py` if you're importing `random`).
2. **`__name__` guard:** Wrap code intended only for direct execution within `if __name__ == '__main__':`. This tells Python to only run that code when the script is executed directly, not when imported as a module.
3. **Module Structure:** Verify your project's directory structure. Python needs to find your modules based on the `PYTHONPATH` or relative paths.
By understanding this module vs. script distinction, you'll be back to smooth sailing in no time! Debugging just got a little easier.
