How to use variables as list indices?

Question

I have some nested list whose items can be accessed normally with:

list[0][2]

However, when I try to use a variable instead:

uinput = input("Number: )
list[uinput][2]

I get the error:

TypeError: list indices must be integers or slices, not str

(I have tried it with a dictionary using the same format and it threw the same error)

I tend to be more descriptive but this was just an example. Is list reserved somewhere in python or is it for readability you suggest not to? — Prof, Oct 20 '15 at 19:12
If you use list as the name of a variable, you will no longer be able to construct lists using the list(...) builtin function (because you overwrote the name) — Chad S., Oct 20 '15 at 19:13

score 4 · Accepted Answer · answered Oct 20 '15 at 19:07

4

You're doing it right but you have to convert it to integer first.

uinput = int(input('Number: '))

Otherwise it's a string and will throw the error you saw.

answered Oct 20 '15 at 19:07

Two-Bit Alchemist

Perfect and only 60 seconds from asking too – Prof Oct 20 '15 at 19:09
1

You were already very close to a solution! – Two-Bit Alchemist Oct 20 '15 at 19:09

1 Answers1