Troubleshooting the Lanelet2 ImportError: Fixing Boost Python Compatibility Issues

Encountering the `ImportError` with Lanelet2 on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS? This guide explains how to resolve the issue caused by libboost version mismatch and helps you set up your environment effectively.
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This video is based on the question https://stackoverflow.com/q/65487367/ asked by the user 'Prajwal Ainapur' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/14460700/ ) and on the answer https://stackoverflow.com/a/65623864/ provided by the user 'Prajwal Ainapur' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/14460700/ ) at 'Stack Overflow' website. Thanks to these great users and Stackexchange community for their contributions.

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Troubleshooting the Lanelet2 ImportError: Fixing Boost Python Compatibility Issues

When working with the Lanelet2 package, users may sometimes encounter the frustrating ImportError: /usr/lib/x86_64-linux-gnu/libboost_python38.so.1.71.0: undefined symbol: _Py_tracemalloc_config. This issue can rear its head during setup or execution, specifically for those on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, leading to confusion and hindrance in development. If you find yourself on this path, worry not! Below we will break down the problem and guide you through to a solution.

Understanding the Problem

The error message you are receiving indicates a problem with the Boost.Python library, particularly with the libboost_python38.so.1.71.0 file. This generally implies that:

There's a version mismatch between the installed Boost libraries and the one expected by Python.

The library that defines the missing symbol (_Py_tracemalloc_config) is either not available or conflicts with an outdated version in your system.

This can often occur when using package managers like Anaconda, which might install its own versions of libraries that can conflict with system-installed libraries.

Resolving the Issue

To address the underlying issue, follow these steps:

Step 1: Uninstall Existing Boost Packages

To resolve potential conflicts arising from the existing Boost library versions on your system, it’s crucial to remove the conflicting or incorrect installations. You can do this by uninstalling all Boost packages:

Open a terminal.

Run the following command to remove Boost libraries:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Step 2: Remove Anaconda (If Necessary)

In situations where Anaconda is causing further complications, consider uninstalling it entirely before proceeding:

Run Anaconda's uninstallation script:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Ensure that Anaconda has been fully removed by checking your shell configuration files and cleaning up any residual paths.

Step 3: Reinstalling Boost

After you have uninstalled the problematic libraries, it's time to reinstall Boost. You can achieve this using the following commands:

Update your package list:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Install the necessary Boost libraries:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Step 4: Testing the Setup

Now that you have reinstalled the Boost libraries, test the installation of the Lanelet2 package once again:

Open your Python shell.

Import Lanelet2 to check if the error persists:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

If everything is set up correctly, you should no longer encounter the ImportError.

Final Thoughts

By removing conflicting Boost libraries and reinstalling the correct versions, this solution should effectively eliminate the ImportError you were previously experiencing. Always ensure that your development environment is consistent, especially when using multiple package managers or libraries.

If you face further issues, consider seeking additional support on forums or reviewing the documentation provided by Lanelet2 for any specific dependencies that may be required.

Now, you're all set to move forward with your project seamlessly!