Solving the TypeError: cannot unpack non-iterable int object in the Plus Minus Problem on HackerRank

This guide addresses the common issue faced in the Plus Minus problem on HackerRank regarding the `TypeError: cannot unpack non-iterable int object` error, providing clear solutions and code corrections.
---

Visit these links for original content and any more details, such as alternate solutions, latest updates/developments on topic, comments, revision history etc. For example, the original title of the Question was: TypeError: cannot unpack non-iterable int object, Plus Minus problem in HackerRank

If anything seems off to you, please feel free to write me at vlogize [AT] gmail [DOT] com.
---
Understanding the Problem: TypeError in Plus Minus Problem

If you’re working on competitive programming platforms like HackerRank, you might encounter various errors during execution. One such error is the dreaded TypeError: cannot unpack non-iterable int object. Many users face this problem when attempting to solve the Plus Minus challenge. This post will explore the reasons behind this error and provide clear solutions to help you get back on track.

The Error Explained

The error message you're seeing is indicating a fundamental mistake in your code where Python is trying to unpack a non-iterable object. Specifically, the line that triggers the error looks like this:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Here, you're attempting to assign values to three variables (neg, pos, and zero) from a single integer value, 0. Since 0 is not a collection (like a list or tuple), Python raises the TypeError. Let’s break this down further.

Key Insight:

Unpacking Variables: In Python, unpacking variables means assigning values from an iterable (like a list or tuple) to separate variables. Attempting to unpack a non-iterable (like an integer) will lead to a TypeError.

Solution Steps

To correct this error and successfully execute the Plus Minus function, here are two effective solutions:

Solution 1: Map Each Variable to Zero

You can map each variable directly to an initial value of 0. Here's how to do it:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Solution 2: Assign the Same Value to Multiple Variables

Alternatively, you can assign the same value to all declared variables in one go using this syntax:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Code Correction

Now let's examine an updated version of the function that includes these corrections to ensure it runs without errors:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

In this corrected code:

We properly initialized the counters for negative, positive, and zero values.

The logic for counting the occurrences remains intact, enhancing the function's capability to investigate the input array.

Conclusion

Encountering errors like TypeError: cannot unpack non-iterable int object is a common hurdle in programming. However, understanding what causes these errors is crucial. By making the appropriate changes as highlighted in this post, you can efficiently solve the Plus Minus problem on HackerRank. Always remember to ensure that you’re unpacking from valid iterable objects, and good luck with your coding challenges!