Handling TypeError: List Indices Must be integers or Slices, not STR
Python is an object-oriented programming language that has been beneficial in creating an automated environment, ease of operating applications, cloud computing, database management, and more.
The use of Python has been preferred in the scientific community due to its application and the potential that it offers. Python is relatively easy to learn compared to C programming and other major programming languages.
Learning python demands patience and concentration. You likely have come across various errors and are looking for ways to rectify them. This is the way of learning the language, and we are glad you didn’t copy/paste the code from GitHub and are looking for a solution by first understanding the error you are facing.
Encountering the TypeError: List Indices must be Integers or slices, not str.
As a programmer, you will have to deal with multiple data types and interchangeably use them to create perfect and clean code. However, in specific scenarios, a programmer tends to forget the basics making a minor mistake in the code that becomes difficult to identify.
In such a scenario, it is best to search for answers by placing the code error encountered on Google. You will find a repository of solutions and errors deciphered, which you can correlate with your code.
Now, returning to the error you have encountered, you have got this error becomes the compatibility of the function and data type does not match the indexing protocols. For instance, suppose you declare a variable gem with the value “12” and index your list by adding a gem in the parenthesis.
The indexing won’t occur as each data type in the list is related to a particular integer or slice. For instance, the indexing starts from 0 and can go upwards. The compiler rightly returns the error because it contradicts the idea of indexing.
Get to Learn the basics of indexing in Python
Now that you have a glimpse of the error you are facing; it is time for you to polish the basics of indexing in the list data type. Once you completely understand the concept of indexing and listing, it will be easier for you to rectify the error or prevent this error from occurring in the future. Here we go! Using a list, you can store multiple items with a single declared variable.
A list can contain a mix of characters, strings, integers, and other data types. Each item in the list will be given an index number from 0 onwards. Hence, the first item in the list will be given the index number 0, followed by item 2 with index number 1, and so on.
The index numbers are integers and cannot be of any other data type. Index numbers can be integers or slices, as rightly mentioned in errors faced by the users. Therefore, when you query for an item by calling the list, you can only use integers or slices. The moment you use a string in this scenario, you obviously get a type error.
Hence, you can easily dodge this situation as you are now aware of the basics of the concept of indexing. Instead of relying on GitHub and other open-source codes to get a solution for the error, you should do your research and decipher the error, and know the understanding behind it. This will allow you to grow and become proficient in Python.
What is the right approach to indexing lists?
If you want to avoid getting the TypeError: List Indices must be integers or slices, not str, you need to follow the right approach with the index concept. W3 schools have meticulously documented the use of indexing lists allowing you to grasp the concept firmly. The right approach to calling items from a list is using the index function and specifying an integer.
You can check more about this by referring to YouTube tutorials, eBooks, and reference books, allowing you to gain a deeper insight into the concept. This way, you will know you are following the right approach and gain confidence in your coding skills.
Will you face this error again?
Well, this is not a random system error but an error from the compiler based on human mistakes. The compiler finds the statement typed by the programming to be contradicting. Hence, it returns this type of error. You will not face this error again, provided you know what you are doing.
Therefore, it is important that you learn from your mistakes and take the proper steps to complete the code without any errors. This strategy will allow you to grow and upgrade every day you code on Python and contribute to the coding community with your developer skills.
This is one of the most straightforward errors that you can encounter in Python, and learning from it is an easy task.
What is unique about lists as a data type in Python?
A list is unique because one can list multiple items, which can be of various data types. Since every item in the list is indexed, each item will have a unique integer associated with it. Therefore, you can find identical items in the list across various indexes.
For instance, if you have the list (apple, banana, apple, pineapple), the apple is in two different places with index 0 and 2. Hence, it is one of the applications of using a list.
The Bottom Line
As a programmer, you need to understand the concepts of patience and understanding. Without this, you will not be able to grow and learn as a programmer. Hence, please don’t take any shortcuts while you code, as it will impact your career as a developer.
Instead, find articles like these that will give you insights on how to code well and be a professional python developer. It is time to eliminate the error you are facing and get a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
