Cannot index by location index with a non-integer key |FIXED

It is inevitable to run into errors like typeerror: cannot index by location index with a non-integer key when working with Python.

This error occurs when we attempt to pass an element in a collection using a non-integer value as the index.

To avoid this error, when accessing elements in a list or array, you should not use non-integer values.

In this article, we will learn how to fix the typeerror message mentioned above.

Aside from that, you can also learn here what typeerror and Python are and some tips to prevent encountering typeerrors.

So without further ado, let us learn more about this error.

What is typeerror: cannot index by location index with a non-integer key?

The typeerror: cannot index by location index with a non-integer key, as mentioned above, is an error message in Python.

This error is usually encountered by programmers or developers working on a Python project.

Again, as mentioned above, this error occurs when we attempt to pass an element in a collection using a non-integer value as the index.

The question is: how do we solve this error?

What should we do to correct this mistake and be free from it?

Before we move on to the solution, here is an example code that causes this error:

s_list = ['pink dress', 'black dress', 'blue dress']
index = '1'
print(s_list[index])

Error:

Traceback (most recent call last):
  File "C:\Users\path\spath\sProject\main.py", line 3, in <module>
    print(s_list[index])
          ~~~~~~^^^^^^^
TypeError: list indices must be integers or slices, not str

Now, without prolonging the discussion, here is a guide that can help you solve this error.

Typeerror: cannot index by location index with a non-integer key – SOLUTION

Example code:

s_list = ['pink dress', 'black dress', 'blue dress']
index = 1
n_index = int(index)
print(s_list[n_index])

Output:

black dress

Other ways to fix this error in various circumstances

Here are the other ways of fixing the typeerror: cannot index by location index with a non-integer key:

1. Pandas DataFrame

Use the loc method to access a row.

This can fix the error as the loc method accepts integer or boolean indexes.

Example code:

import pandas as pd

df = pd.DataFrame({'Dress': ['Pink', 'Black', 'Blue'], 'Price': [500, 750, 400]})
row = df.loc[0]
row = df[df['Dress'] == 'Pink']
print(row)

Output:

   Dress   Price
0  Pink    500

2. Numpy ndarray

Access elements using integer or boolean indexes.

Example code:

import numpy as np

s_arr = np.array([[10, 20, 30], [40, 50, 60], [70, 80, 90]])
s_element = s_arr[0, 1]
row = s_arr[s_arr[:, 0] > 3, :]
print(row)

Output:

[[10 20 30]
 [40 50 60]
 [70 80 90]]

Tips to avoid getting Typeerrors

The following are some tips to avoid getting type errors in Python.

• Avoid using the built-in data types in Python in the wrong way.
  
  → Be sure that your variables and data structures are using the correct data types.

• Always check or confirm the types of your variables.
  
  → To check the types of your variables, use the type() function.
  
  This will allow you to confirm if the type of your variable is appropriate.

• Be clear and concise when writing code.
  
  → Being clear and concise when writing your code can help you avoid typeerrors.
  
  It is because it will become easier to understand.

• Handle the error by using try-except blocks.
  
  → Try using the try-except blocks to catch and handle any typeerror.

• Use the built-in functions of Python if needed.
  
  → Use built-in functions such as int(), str(), etc. if you need to convert a variable to a different type.

FAQs

Conclusion

In conclusion, “typeerror: cannot index by location index with a non-integer key” is an inevitable error message in Python.

It can be easily solved by making sure you are using an integer value as an index to pass elements in a collection or array.

That is all for this article, 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.

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