What is the google-genai Module?

The google-genai module is part of the Google Gen AI Python SDK, a software development kit provided by Google to enable developers to integrate Google's generative AI models into Python applications. This SDK is distinct from the older, deprecated google-generativeai package. The google-genai package represents the newer, unified SDK designed to work with Google's latest generative AI offerings, such as the Gemini models.

Installation

To use the google-genai module, you need to install it via pip. The package name on PyPI is google-genai, and you can install it with the following command:

bash

```bash
pip install google-genai
```

This installs the necessary dependencies and makes the module available in your Python environment.

Correct Import Statement

The standard import statement for the google-genai SDK, as per the official documentation and examples, is:

python

```python
from google import genai
```

This differs from the older SDK's import style, which was:

python

```python
import google.generativeai as genai
```

When you install google-genai, it provides a module structure where genai is a submodule of the google package. Thus, from google import genai is the correct way to access its functionality.

Usage in the New SDK

Unlike the older google-generativeai SDK, which used a configure method (e.g., genai.configure(api_key='YOUR_API_KEY')) to set up the API key globally, the new google-genai SDK adopts a client-based approach. You create a Client instance with your API key and use it to interact with the models. Here’s a basic example:

python

```python
from google import genai

# Initialize the client with your API key
client = genai.Client(api_key='YOUR_API_KEY')

# Example: Generate content using a model
response = client.models.generate_content(
    model='gemini-2.0-flash-001',  # Specify the model name
    contents='Why is the sky blue?'
)

print(response.text)
```

Key points about this usage:

- No configure Method: The new SDK does not have a genai.configure method directly on the genai module. Instead, you pass the API key when creating a Client instance.

- Client-Based Interaction: All interactions with the generative models (e.g., generating content) are performed through the client object.


Official Documentation

The official documentation for the google-genai SDK can be found on Google's API documentation site. Specifically:

- Google Gen AI Python SDK Documentation: Hosted at https://googleapis.github.io/python-genai/, this site provides detailed guides, API references, and code examples. It confirms the use of from google import genai and the client-based approach.

- GitHub Repository: The source code and additional examples are available at https://github.com/googleapis/python-genai. The repository documentation reinforces that from google import genai is the import style for the new SDK.


Why Your Import is Correct

You mentioned that your import is correct, which I assume refers to from google import genai. This is indeed the proper import for the google-genai package, aligning with the new SDK's design. If you're encountering issues (e.g., an error like module 'google.genai' has no attribute 'configure'), it’s likely because the code is trying to use methods from the older SDK (like genai.configure) that don’t exist in the new one. To resolve this, you should update the code to use the client-based approach shown above.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you're seeing errors with from google import genai, here are some things to check:

1. Correct Package Installed:

    - Ensure google-genai is installed (pip install google-genai).

    - If google-generativeai is installed instead, uninstall it with pip uninstall google-generativeai to avoid conflicts, then install google-genai.

2. Code Compatibility:

    - If your code uses genai.configure or assumes the older SDK’s structure, you’ll need to refactor it. Replace configuration calls with genai.Client(api_key='...') and adjust model interactions to use the client object.

3. Environment Verification:

    - Run pip show google-genai to confirm the package is installed and check its version. This ensures you’re working with the intended SDK.


Additional Resources

- PyPI Page: The google-genai package on PyPI (https://pypi.org/project/google-genai/) provides installation instructions and links to the GitHub repository.

- Examples: The GitHub repository includes sample code demonstrating how to use the SDK with from google import genai.


Conclusion

Your import, from google import genai, aligns with the google-genai module from the new Google Gen AI Python SDK. The documentation and online resources confirm this as the correct approach for the current, unified SDK. If import google.generativeai was previously suggested or used, it pertains to the older, deprecated SDK, which explains why it might be considered incorrect in your context. To fully leverage google-genai, ensure your code uses the client-based API as outlined, and you should be able to interact with Google’s generative AI models effectively. If you’re still facing specific errors, feel free to share them, and I can assist further!