AttributeError in Python

What is AttributeError in Python?

When you attempt to call an attribute of an object whose type does not support that method, Python raises an AttributeError. Python classes allow you to provide shared values and methods for the class's objects. For this reason, some individuals consider classes to be the blueprints for objects. You can access an attribute of the class by calling a method or a class. 

Let's take an example to understand this better, suppose there is a class named Car having attributes like tyres, chassis and engine. So you can access these attributes by calling the methods. Suppose you are trying to access an attribute named helmet that doesn't exist in the Car class, which will result in AttributeError in Python.

Examples of AttributeError in Python

Now we understand what AttributeError is in python. So, Let's take some examples of AttributeError in Python.

Example 1: AttributeError while Using append() Method

If we try to access the append() method on an integer value, we can get an AttributeError:

Output: As int object doesn't contain any append() method, it will give out AttributeError.

Example 2: AttributeError while Accessing Inexisting Method in a Class

If we try to access an inexisting method in a class, we can get an AttributeError:

Output:

Example 3: AttributeError Caused by Wrong Spelling

Since Python is a case-sensitive language, any spelling change could sometimes result in an AttributeError.

Output:

AttributeError in Python: Solution

AttributeError in Python can be handled using Exception Handling. So using try and except block, if the error caused, except block is executed.

Example: Using Exception Handling to Handle AttributeError

Here, we are trying to access attribute named second that is nonexisting, so except block will be executed.

Output: In this case, there is no method named second in the class, so except block is executed.

Similar Attribute Errors

AttributeError can occur frequently. When you try to access attributes of data types and classes that don't support the attribute you are referring to, AttributeError can be caused.

These errors can also happen if you misspell an attribute when referring to it. Python will interpret any typos as references to attributes that don't actually exist.

Some similar AttibuteErrors are:

• AttributeError: 'str' object has no attribute 'add'
• AttributeError: 'int' object has no attribute 'append'
• AttributeError: 'Code' object has no attribute 'second'
• AttributeError: ‘list’ object has no attribute ‘split’
• AttributeError: ‘module’ object has no attribute ‘urlopen’