‘builtin_function_or_method’ object is not subscriptable

In Python, encountering errors like “typeerror: ‘builtin_function_or_method’ object is not subscriptable” is inevitable.

Since errors are inevitable, we should be aware that to quickly fix them, understanding them is essential.

In this article, you can learn about the error and gain a better understanding of it.

In addition, you can find the solution to it here.

Without further ado, let us start knowing and understanding this error.

What is typeerror: ‘builtin_function_or_method’ object is not subscriptable?

The typeerror: ‘builtin_function_or_method’ object is not subscriptable is an error message in Python.

Using indexing or slicing on built-in functions or methods is the cause of this error.

It means you cannot use square brackets [] to access elements from built-in functions and methods.

What are built-in functions?

Built-in functions in Python are functions that are already part of the language.

They are accessible anytime, and you do not need to import additional packages or modules when you use them.

Here are some examples of built-in functions in Python and their uses:

✅ print() function

→ This function displays outputs on the console.

✅ input() function

→ This function reads the user’s input from the console.

✅ type() function

→ This function distinguishes a variable’s or object’s data type.

Back to the issue, here is a sample code that triggers the error:

s_list = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9]
length = len[0]
print(length)

Error:

Traceback (most recent call last):
  File "C:\Users\path\PyProjects\sProject\main.py", line 2, in <module>
    length = len[0]
             ~~~^^^
TypeError: 'builtin_function_or_method' object is not subscriptable

Typeerror: ‘builtin_function_or_method’ object is not subscriptable – SOLUTION

Here is how to fix the typeerror: ‘builtin_function_or_method’ object is not subscriptable:

You have to make sure that you are not attempting to use indexing or slicing on built-in functions or methods.

Example code:

s_list = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9]
length = len(s_list)
print(length)

Output:

9

Sample codes that trigger and fix this error

The following are examples of codes that trigger and fix the typeerror: ‘builtin_function_or_method’ object is not subscriptable.

Example 1:

❎ Incorrect
s_len = len["Hi! IT source coders!"]
print(s_len)

✅ Correct
s_str = "Hi! IT source coders!"
s_len = len(s_str)
print(s_len)

Example 2:

❎ Incorrect
s_list = ["Math", "English", "Filipino", "Science"]
s_list.pop[0]
print(s_list)

✅ Correct
s_list = ["Math", "English", "Filipino", "Science"]
s_list.pop(0)
print(s_list)

Example 3:

❎ Incorrect
s_tuple = (-20.2302, 12.2345, -123.87690)
s_len = len(s_tuple)
print[s_len]

✅ Correct
s_tuple = (-20.2302, 12.2345, -123.87690)
s_len = len(s_tuple)
print(s_len)

See also: Typeerror: builtin_function_or_method object is not iterable

FAQs

Conclusion

In conclusion, the typeerror: ‘builtin_function_or_method’ object is not subscriptable is an error message that occurs in Python.

You can solve this error by making sure that you are not attempting to use indexing or slicing on built-in functions or methods.

By following the guide above, you will surely solve this error quickly.

That is all for this tutorial, IT source coders!

We hope you have learned a lot from this. Have fun coding!

Thank you for reading! 😊

Elijah Galero

Programmer & Technical Writer at PIES IT Solution

Elijah Galero is a programmer and writer at PIES IT Solution, author of 175+ tutorials at itsourcecode.com. Specializes in Python error debugging (AttributeError, TypeError, ModuleNotFoundError), Python programming tutorials, and Microsoft Excel how-to guides for BSIT students and productivity learners.

Expertise: Python · Python Errors · Python AttributeError · Python TypeError · ModuleNotFoundError · MS Excel · MS PowerPoint  · View all posts by Elijah Galero →