AWS Lambda (python, zip file): Phase: invoke Status: timeout, source error comes from importing a sub-module

Question

Hello,

I’m having problems with my 1st AWS lambda function in python (zip file) that give me the following error: `Phase: invoke Status: timeout`. 
Not very informative, but after various tests, the source of the error is the importation of a sub-module.

My function imports:

```
import json
import phonenumbers as pn           # version 8.13.30
from phonenumbers import geocoder as gc
```

The timeout error comes from 
```
from phonenumbers import geocoder as gc
```
, which is for me perfectly correct.

When I comment this line, the function runs correctly, except the command that uses geocoder (obviously) and gives errors catch by “except” statements.

The phonenumbers lib was installed in AWS CloudShell (pip install phonenumbers, namely phonenumbers-8.13.30-py2.py3-none-any.whl), all `__pycache__` removed, Lambda has 644 permissions and 755 permissions for directories.

Zip file architecture:

The function works like a charm without error in AWS CloudShell python command line (importing my locally installed phonenumbers). But not in AWS Lambda!

The only line that uses geocoder (gc) is:
`gc.description_for_number(CallerID_determined_pn, "en")`

I tried many things, including not import geocoder and using `pn.geocoder.description_for_number` but it gives error: `AttributeError: module 'phonenumbers' has no attribute 'geocoder'`.

I’m running out of ideas and any advice or solution would be more than welcome.

Best, 
Lionel

Answer

Hi Lamderson,

Thanks for the idea, but unfortunately it doesn't fix the problem :-(

Hoping new answer...

Answer

Since that is a lib you need, why don't you try adding it to the Lambda layer and just import the layer instead of adding it to the zip?

Like this:
```
import json
import phonenumbers as pn           # version 8.13.30
import geocoder as gc
```

In the Zip you would only have
```
my_function
|- lambda_function.py
|- data.json
```

Try using this and see if you get a timeout error...

AWS Lambda (python, zip file): Phase: invoke Status: timeout, source error comes from importing a sub-module

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