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Mismatch between C++ and Python SDK libraries when using blpapi

Tony Roberts

When importing Bloomberg’s blpapi package using PyXLL, you may encounter the following error:

ImportError: No module named '_internals'
Mismatch between C++ and Python SDK libraries.
Python SDK version 3.12.1
Found C++ SDK version 3.11.6.1
Download and install the latest C++ SDK from:
http://www.bloomberg.com/professional/api-library

This is because both the Bloomberg Python API and the Bloomberg Excel Add-In are loading the same Bloomberg C++ SDK, but they require different versions.

This is a problem with how Bloomberg’s Python API is built. Bloomberg are aware of the issue but have not yet provided a solution. Fortunately there are a couple of work-arounds you can use in the meantime.

Download a fork of blpapi with a fix for this problem

As this is a common problem, we have put a fork of Bloomberg’s Python API on github that includes a fix for this problem.

You can either build it from source, or use one of the pre-built releases.

To install one of the pre-built releases:

  1. Download the latest .whl file for your version of Python from https://github.com/pyxll/blpapi-python/releases.

  2. Uninstall any previous version by running: pip uninstall blpapi

    If you are using Anaconda, also run conda uninstall blpapi.

  3. Install the .whl file downloaded previously by running: pip install "downloaded .whl filename"

To install from source clone the repo from https://github.com/pyxll/blpapi-python and follow the instructions in the README file.

Build the Bloomberg Python API with the matching C++ SDK

If you would rather use the official Bloomberg Python API you will need to build it yourself against the same version of the Bloomberg C++ SDK that your Bloomberg Excel Add-In was built using.

  1. Make a note of the version of the C++ SDK from the error message that is printed when trying to import the blpapi package.
  2. Download that version of the C++ SDK from Bloomberg’s website.
  3. Build the Bloomberg Python API using that C++ SDK.
  4. Ensure that any previously installed versions of the blpapi package are uninstalled and install the one just built.

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