A Friendly Guide to Python Debugging
Introduction
Python is easy, but mistakes still happen often. Every coder faces errors, even experienced programmers. You should not feel scared when errors appear suddenly. Errors actually help you understand Python more deeply. Today, you will learn the most common Python errors. You will also learn simple ways to fix them quickly. Let's begin this friendly journey into Python debugging.
1. SyntaxError — When Python Cannot Understand You
A SyntaxError means your code grammar is wrong. Python stops because something is typed incorrectly. This is like writing a sentence without punctuation.
Common Causes
- Missing brackets or quotes
- Using wrong symbols
- Wrong indentation
Example
print("Hello World!)Here, one quote is missing.
Fix
print("Hello World!")Always check your brackets and quotes carefully.
2. NameError — When Python Cannot Find Your Variable
A NameError means Python sees an unknown name. Maybe you misspelled the variable or forgot to create it.
Example
age = 15
print(ag)Fix
age = 15
print(age)Check spellings and variable names every time. Think of Python like a friend who needs clear names.
3. TypeError — Wrong Type Used in Your Code
A TypeError happens when types do not match. Python dislikes mixing incompatible types together.
Example
age = 14
print("Age: " + age)Fix
age = 14
print("Age: " + str(age))Always convert numbers to strings when printing. This makes your code clean and predictable.
4. ZeroDivisionError — Dividing a Number by Zero
This error appears when you divide something by zero. Zero cannot be used as a divider in mathematics.
Example
marks = 90
students = 0
print(marks / students)Fix
Check for zero before dividing anything.
if students != 0:
print(marks / students)
else:
print("Students cannot be zero")Always check values before doing calculations.
5. IndexError — When You Access a Wrong Position
Lists have positions that start from zero. An IndexError means you tried an invalid position.
Example
colors = ["red", "blue"]
print(colors[3])Fix
print(colors[1]) # Valid indexAlways count list positions carefully.
6. KeyError — When a Dictionary Key Does Not Exist
A KeyError appears when you use the wrong key name.
Example
student = {"name": "Ali"}
print(student["age"])Fix
print(student.get("age", "Age not found"))Use .get() to avoid sudden crashes.
7. IndentationError — Wrong Spacing in Your Code
Python needs proper indentation to understand structure. Wrong spacing breaks the entire program.
Example
if True:
print("Hello")Fix
if True:
print("Hello")Use consistent spaces or tabs, not both.
Quick Table: Errors and Their Easy Fixes
| Error Type | Cause | Quick Fix |
|---|---|---|
| SyntaxError | Code grammar mistake | Check brackets and quotes |
| NameError | Variable not found | Check spelling and names |
| TypeError | Wrong data type used | Convert types correctly |
| ZeroDivisionError | Dividing by zero | Check value before dividing |
| IndexError | Position does not exist | Use valid index |
| KeyError | Wrong dictionary key | Use .get() method |
| IndentationError | Wrong spacing | Use consistent indentation |
Recap
- You can fix most Python errors very easily.
- Just read the message and understand the cause.
- Be calm, patient, and curious about every error.
- Errors are steps that guide you toward mastery.
- You grow stronger each time you fix a mistake.
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