Fix installation error with improved backend fallback and error messages #151
+49
−9
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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 whereCUDA_AVAILABLE=True
butflash_dmattn_func=None
.Problem
Users following the installation instructions would encounter:
The error occurred because:
CUDA_AVAILABLE=True
)flash_dmattn_func=None
)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
Now users with partial installations get working functionality with clear guidance on how to complete the installation if desired.
Fixes #150.
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