In Python, “Lists” are an essential data structure that stores multiple values in a single variable. Each element in a list is assigned an index starting from “0”. These list indexes allow us to access and manipulate individual elements easily. As a value is assigned to a specific element, the list indexing is used along with the assignment operator to assign a list. As soon as we attempt to access or assign a value utilizing an index that is outside the range of the list, the “IndexError” limitation occurs in Python.

This article will provide reasons and solutions to the “IndexError: List Assignment Index Out of Range” limitation using appropriate examples.

“IndexError: List Assignment Index Out of Range” in Python

This error occurs when a value is accessed or assigned utilizing an index outside of the list’s range. There are several scenarios that can resolve the discussed error.

Facing the Specified “IndexError”

The error occurs when we use the index value that is out of range according to our initialized list, as follows:

Solution 1: Use the “len()” Function to Check the Length of the List

To solve the discussed limitation, we need to apply a check on the index value that determines whether it falls within the range of the list. One way to do this is by checking the list length utilizing the “len()” function before performing any assignments.

Example

Here is the corrected code:

In the above code, the “len()” function is used to check whether the length of the list is greater than the particular index length i.e., “3” or not. If the length is greater than the particular index length, then the value is appended at that particular index, thereby coping with the discussed error.

Output

Solution 2: Use the “append()” Method

The error can also be solved by using the “append()” method to add the element to the end of the list without any index error.

Example

The following code appends/adds the item (that needs to be fetched) at the last:

In the above code, the “append()” method is used to add/append the specified item at the end of the input list named “list1”.

Output

Solution 3: Use the “insert()” Method

The “insert()” method can also be utilized to add/insert the element/item to the specified index without any list index error.

Example

Here is an example code:

In the above code lines, the “insert()” method takes the index as the first argument and the value as a second argument to update the input list by adding the value at the particular index(from where it is fetched).

Output

Note: The “list.extend()” method can also be used to add multiple elements to the specified list.

Conclusion

This “IndexError” error arises when a value is accessed or assigned utilizing an index that is outside the range of the specified list. This error can be resolved by using the “len()”, “append()”, “insert()”, or “list.extend()” functions. This article explained the cause and solutions for the discussed limitation faced while dealing with lists in Python.