Handling 'string indices must be integers not str' Error in Python JSON Parsing

Learn how to resolve the "string indices must be integers, not str" error in Python when working with JSON data. Explore examples and solutions to effectively parse JSON with string keys.
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If you've ever worked with JSON data in Python, you might have encountered the common error message: "string indices must be integers, not str." This error occurs when you attempt to access a JSON object using a string index, which is not allowed.

Understanding the Error

The error is a result of attempting to use a string as an index when working with a JSON object. In Python, JSON objects are typically parsed into dictionaries. While dictionaries allow you to access values using string keys, the error arises when you mistakenly treat a JSON object as a list.

Example 1: Incorrect Usage

Consider the following example:

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In this example, attempting to access the 'name' key using square brackets will result in the "string indices must be integers" error because parsed_data is a dictionary, not a list.

Example 2: Correct Usage

To avoid the error, you should use the correct keys when working with JSON objects. Here's the corrected version of the previous example:

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By using the get method or directly accessing the key without square brackets, you can retrieve the value associated with the 'name' key without encountering the error.

Handling Nested JSON Objects

If you're working with nested JSON objects, the same principle applies. Ensure that you use the correct keys at each level of nesting. Let's look at an example:

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In this case, accessing the 'city' key within the nested structure requires using the correct keys for each level.

Conclusion

When working with JSON data in Python, always be mindful of the data structure. If the data is parsed into a dictionary, use string keys appropriately. By understanding the nature of the error and applying the correct syntax, you can effectively handle the "string indices must be integers" error in your Python programs.