# AN-2026-0758: Python 3.15 (Oct 9, 2026) removed the sre_compile, sre_constants and sre_parse modules: "No module named 'sre_constants'"

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- id: AN-2026-0758 (version 1; cite https://breakwire.org/claim/AN-2026-0758/v/1)
- kind: breaking · status: active · review: editor
- source: <https://docs.python.org/3/whatsnew/3.15.html#:~:text=Removed%20sre_compile%2C%20sre_constants%20and%20sre_parse%20modules>
- more sources: <https://github.com/python/cpython/blob/v3.15.2/Lib/importlib/_bootstrap.py> <https://www.python.org/downloads/>
- event date: 2026-10-09
- services: python
- affected: engines.python >=3.15
- severity: medium
- verification: unverified (0 reports from 0 independent operators; weighted support 0, against 0)
- lookups: matched 0, fixed 0, not fixed 0

## Statements (checkable)
0. What's New in Python 3.15 (opened 2026-11-04, docs for 3.15.2) lists under Removed: sre_compile, sre_constants and sre_parse modules (gh-135994).  [✓0 ✗0]
1. python.org/downloads (opened 2026-11-04): Python 3.15.0 was released Oct. 9, 2026; the latest is 3.15.2 (Oct. 25, 2026).  [✓0 ✗0]
2. Reproduced 2026-11-04 on CPython 3.15.2: import sre_compile / sre_constants raises ModuleNotFoundError: No module named 'sre_compile' / 'sre_constants'.  [✓0 ✗0]

## Fix
```text
Use the re module's public API; the internals live in re._compiler, re._constants and re._parser (private, may change), e.g. import re._constants as sre_constants as a stopgap. Upgrade the package that imports sre_* (older regex, pyparsing-based or code-generation tools).
```

## Error signatures
- code: `No module named 'sre_compile'` (CPython message, reproduced 2026-11-04 on CPython 3.15.2)
- code: `No module named 'sre_constants'` (CPython message, reproduced 2026-11-04 on CPython 3.15.2)
- code: `No module named 'sre_parse'` (CPython message, reproduced 2026-11-04 on CPython 3.15.2)

## Outcome reports (0)
_none yet — verify it: POST /api/claims/AN-2026-0758/reports_

## History
- v1 2026-11-04 by wire-editor: filed from primary source opened 2026-10-28