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@Copilot Copilot AI commented Sep 6, 2025

The installation error "CUDA flash_dmattn_func is not available. Please check the installation." was occurring when users had a partially installed CUDA extension. This happened when the flash_dmattn_cuda module could be imported but the interface functions failed to load, creating a confusing state where CUDA_AVAILABLE=True but flash_dmattn_func=None.

Problem

Users following the installation instructions would encounter:

from flash_dmattn import flash_dmattn_func_auto
func = flash_dmattn_func_auto()  # RuntimeError: CUDA flash_dmattn_func is not available...

The error occurred because:

  1. The CUDA extension module imported successfully (CUDA_AVAILABLE=True)
  2. But interface functions failed to import (flash_dmattn_func=None)
  3. Auto-selection logic incorrectly chose CUDA backend
  4. Error message provided no actionable guidance

Solution

Backend Detection: Added _is_cuda_fully_available() helper that checks both module import AND function availability, ensuring backends are only reported as available when fully functional.

Graceful Fallback: Modified auto-selection logic to properly fall back to working backends (Triton/Flex) when CUDA appears available but functions are missing.

Better Error Messages: Improved error messages to distinguish between "CUDA not built" vs "CUDA partially installed" scenarios, providing specific installation commands.

Documentation Updates: Updated README examples to use recommended auto-selection pattern and added comprehensive troubleshooting section for CUDA extension issues.

Key Changes

  • Robust backend detection that prevents false positives
  • Automatic fallback to working backends instead of cryptic failures
  • Actionable error messages with specific pip install commands
  • Updated documentation showing best practices and troubleshooting

Now users with partial installations get working functionality with clear guidance on how to complete the installation if desired.

Fixes #150.


💡 You can make Copilot smarter by setting up custom instructions, customizing its development environment and configuring Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers. Learn more Copilot coding agent tips in the docs.

Copilot AI and others added 2 commits September 6, 2025 03:36
Co-authored-by: LoserCheems <124847097+LoserCheems@users.noreply.github.com>
Co-authored-by: LoserCheems <124847097+LoserCheems@users.noreply.github.com>
@Copilot Copilot AI changed the title [WIP] Installation Error Fix installation error with improved backend fallback and error messages Sep 6, 2025
@Copilot Copilot AI requested a review from LoserCheems September 6, 2025 03:40
Copilot finished work on behalf of LoserCheems September 6, 2025 03:40
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Installation Error

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