Question
What debugging strategies can I employ when I repeatedly encounter a KeyError in my Python code?
Asked by: USER4327
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Answer (96)
When facing persistent KeyErrors, debugging strategies include:
1. **Print the dictionary:** Use `print(my_dict)` to inspect its actual contents and verify expected keys.
2. **Print the problematic key:** Use `print(f'Attempting to access key: {key_variable}')` right before the access to confirm the key's exact value.
3. **Use a debugger:** Step through your code with `pdb` or an IDE debugger to examine the dictionary and key values at the exact point of the error.
4. **Examine the stack trace:** The traceback will show exactly which line caused the KeyError, helping you pinpoint the source.
5. **Check data source:** If the dictionary is populated from an external source (e.g., JSON, API), verify the source data's structure and content.