虚拟环境中import pandas_datareader报ImportError: cannot import name 'is_list_like'

云上老周

2026-5-28

Fixing ImportError: cannot import name 'is_list_like' with pandas_datareader

Hey there, let's get this error sorted out for you. The issue you're facing is a classic version mismatch between pandas and pandas_datareader:

What's causing the error?

In newer versions of pandas, the is_list_like utility function was moved from pandas.core.common to pandas.api.types. But the version of pandas_datareader installed in your virtual environment is still trying to import it from the old location, hence the ImportError.

Here are 3 ways to fix this:

Option 1: Upgrade pandas_datareader (Recommended)
This is the simplest fix—just update pandas_datareader to a version that's compatible with your pandas installation. Run this command in your virtual environment:
```
pip install --upgrade pandas_datareader
```
After upgrading, try running your script again; the import should work without issues.
Option 2: Manually fix the import path in pandas_datareader
If upgrading isn't an option (e.g., your Python 3.5 is too old for the latest pandas_datareader), you can edit the problematic file directly:
1. Navigate to the fred.py file at this path: /home/xxxxx/django-apps/env/lib/python3.5/site-packages/pandas_datareader/fred.py
2. Open it with a text editor, and replace the first line:
```
from pandas.core.common import is_list_like
```
  with:
```
from pandas.api.types import is_list_like
```
3. Save the file and re-run your script.
Option 3: Downgrade pandas (Not Recommended)
As a last resort, you can roll back pandas to an older version where is_list_like still lives in pandas.core.common. Run:
```
pip install pandas==0.23.4
```
Note: This might cause compatibility issues with other parts of your code that rely on newer pandas features, so only use this if the first two options don't work.