What is the output of indexing a list out of range in Python?
Interviewer Expectations for this Question
01
Core Competency
Assesses fundamental understanding of Python conventions, runtime behavior, and memory/performance considerations.
02
Evaluation Criteria
Hiring managers look for precision, avoidance of ambiguous jargon, and ability to explain trade-offs under real production conditions.
Comprehensive Model Answer
Verified Solution
### Code Snippet:
items = ['a', 'b', 'c', 'd', 'e']
print(items[10])
### Output:
Python raises an IndexError:
IndexError: list index out of range
### Key Differences with Slicing:
While direct indexing (items[10]) raises an IndexError when the index exceeds bounds, slicing does not raise an error:
print(items[10:15]) # Returns empty list [] without raising an exception
### Safe Retrieval in Production:
To safely access items without crashing from an IndexError:
idx = 10
item = items[idx] if idx < len(items) else None
Candidate Response Strategy & Interview Tips
- Start with a concise one-sentence summary: Deliver a direct, confident answer first before expanding into nuances.
- Demonstrate real-world trade-offs: Discuss where this approach excels and when you would avoid it in production systems.
- Discuss complexity & edge cases: Proactively explain time/space complexity or boundary conditions (null values, scale limits).
- Prepare for interviewer follow-ups: Technical hiring panels frequently probe deeper into concurrency, backward compatibility, or alternative libraries.