One common error you may encounter when using NumPy in Python is:
TypeError: 'numpy.ndarray' object is not callable
This error usually occurs when you attempt to call a NumPy array as a function by using round () brackets instead of square [ ] brackets.
The following example shows how to use this syntax in practice.
How to Reproduce the Error
Suppose we have the following NumPy array:
import numpy as np
#create NumPy array
x = np.array([2, 4, 4, 5, 9, 12, 14, 17, 18, 20, 22, 25])
Now suppose we attempt to access the first element in the array:
#attempt to access the first element in the array
TypeError: 'numpy.ndarray' object is not callable
Since we used round () brackets Python thinks we’re attempting to call the NumPy array x as a function.
Since x is not a function, we receive an error.
How to Fix the Error
The way to resolve this error is to simply use square [ ] brackets when accessing elements of the NumPy array instead of round () brackets:
#access the first element in the array
The first element in the array (2) is shown and we don’t receive any error because we used square [ ] brackets.
Also note that we can access multiple elements of the array at once as long as we use square [ ] brackets:
#find sum of first three elements in array
x[0] + x[1] + x[2]
Additional Resources
The following tutorials explain how to fix other common errors in Python:
How to Fix: ValueError: Index contains duplicate entries, cannot reshape
How to Fix: Typeerror: expected string or bytes-like object
How to Fix: TypeError: ‘numpy.float64’ object is not callable
Hey there. My name is Zach Bobbitt. I have a Masters of Science degree in Applied Statistics and I’ve worked on machine learning algorithms for professional businesses in both healthcare and retail. I’m passionate about statistics, machine learning, and data visualization and I created Statology to be a resource for both students and teachers alike. My goal with this site is to help you learn statistics through using simple terms, plenty of real-world examples, and helpful illustrations.
