Typeerror: expected string or bytes-like object [SOLVED]

Looking for a solution to the typeerror: expected string or bytes-like object?

We truly understand how frustrating it is to encounter an error like this.

However, do not worry, as you are not alone!

This article will show you how to solve the typeerror: expected string or bytes-like object.

We will also discuss here what the error is and why it occurs.

Without further ado, let us understand this error.

What is typeerror: expected string or bytes-like object?

The typeerror: expected string or bytes-like object is an error message in Python that can occur while working on a project.

The mentioned error message occurs when an operation receives an object of a different type instead of a string or bytes-like object as input, as expected.

The sample objects of the different types are int, float, and list.

Here are sample codes that cause this error:

Sample 1:

import re

s_int = 202300

result = re.sub(r'[0-9]', '_', s_int)
print(result)

Error:

Traceback (most recent call last):
  File "C:\Users\path\PyProjects\sProject\main.py", line 5, in <module>
    result = re.sub(r'[0-9]', '_', flt)
             ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
  File "C:\Users\path\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python311\Lib\re\__init__.py", line 185, in sub
    return _compile(pattern, flags).sub(repl, string, count)
           ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
TypeError: expected string or bytes-like object, got 'int'

Sample 2:

import re

flt = 20.2300

result = re.sub(r'[0-9]', '_', flt)
print(result)

Error:

Traceback (most recent call last):
  File "C:\Users\path\PyProjects\sProject\main.py", line 5, in <module>
    result = re.sub(r'[0-9]', '_', flt)
             ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
  File "C:\Users\path\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python311\Lib\re\__init__.py", line 185, in sub
    return _compile(pattern, flags).sub(repl, string, count)
           ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
TypeError: expected string or bytes-like object, got 'float'

Now, let us move on to our solution.

Typeerror: expected string or bytes-like object – SOLUTION

To solve the “typeerror: expected string or bytes-like object,” all you have to do is convert the non-string or non-bytes-like object into one.

For example, let us solve the sample code above that caused the error.

In our sample 1, we used an integer, which, as mentioned above, can cause the error as it only expects a string or bytes-like objects.

Now, to solve sample 1, convert the integer into a string.

Example:

import re

s_int = 202300

result = re.sub(r'[0-9]', '_', str(s_int))
print(result)

Output:

______

Now, let us solve the sample 2 problem.

The same as above: convert a float into a string.

Example:

import re

flt = 20.2300

result = re.sub(r'[0-9]', '_', str(flt))
print(result)

Output:

__.__

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.
• Always check or confirm the types of your variables.
• Be clear and concise when writing code.
• Handle the error by using try-except blocks.
• Use the built-in functions of Python if needed.

FAQs

Conclusion

In conclusion, the typeerror: expected string or bytes-like object is an inevitable error message in Python while working on a project.

The said error can be easily solved by converting a non-string or non-bytes-like object into one.

By following the guide above, you will surely solve this problem 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 →