How to Solve Python typeerror: descriptor ‘date’ for ‘datetime.datetime’ objects doesn’t apply to object

When working with Python’s datetime module, you might encounter the error:

TypeError: descriptor 'date' for 'datetime.datetime' objects doesn't apply to a 'int' object

This error typically occurs when you try to call the date method of datetime.datetime incorrectly. Let’s break down the cause of the error and how to resolve it.

Example: descriptor ‘date’ for ‘datetime.datetime’ objects doesn’t apply to a ‘int’ object

You might come across this issue when attempting to instantiate a date object incorrectly, as in the following example:

import datetime
my_date = datetime.datetime.date(2021, 3, 2) 

You might come across this issue when attempting to instantiate a date object incorrectly, as in the following example:

TypeError: descriptor 'date' for 'datetime.datetime' objects doesn't apply to a 'int' object

Similarly, using strings or lists instead of integers will yield the same error:

Example: descriptor ‘date’ for ‘datetime.datetime’ objects doesn’t apply to a ‘str’ object

Here is an example with strings:

import datetime
my_date = datetime.datetime.date("2021", "3", "2")

Which results in:

TypeError: descriptor 'date' for 'datetime.datetime' objects doesn't apply to a 'str' object

Example: descriptor ‘date’ for ‘datetime.datetime’ objects doesn’t apply to a ‘list’ object

Here is an example with a list:

import datetime
my_date = datetime.datetime.date([2021, 3, 2])

Which results in:

TypeError: descriptor 'date' for 'datetime.datetime' objects doesn't apply to a 'list' object

What Causes the Error?

In Python, datetime.datetime.date() is not a standalone method to create a date. It is a descriptor that extracts the date part from a datetime object, not a method to initialize a new date. The correct way to use the date method is on an already instantiated datetime object. When you attempt to pass integers, strings, or lists directly to datetime.datetime.date(), Python doesn’t know how to apply the descriptor to these data types, resulting in the TypeError.

Solution

Instead of using datetime.datetime.date() directly, you should be using the datetime.date() constructor to create date objects.

Fix 1: Use datetime.date() to Create a Date Object

import datetime
my_date = datetime.date(2021, 3, 2)
print(my_date)  # Output: 2021-03-02

Here, datetime.date(year, month, day) correctly creates a date object using the provided integers.

Fix 2: Create a datetime Object First, Then Extract the Date

If you want to create a datetime object and then extract the date part, you can do it as follows:

import datetime
dt = datetime.datetime(2021, 3, 2, 15, 30)  # Creates a datetime object with time
my_date = dt.date()  # Extracts the date part
print(my_date)  # Output: 2021-03-02

In this example, we create a datetime object with both date and time components. By calling dt.date(), we extract just the date portion of the datetime object.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Passing Strings or Lists to datetime.datetime.date: As demonstrated, passing any non-datetime object (like integers, strings, or lists) directly to the date method will result in a TypeError. Use datetime.date() instead for creating a date object directly.
• Confusion between datetime.date() and datetime.datetime.date(): datetime.date() is the constructor to create date objects, while datetime.datetime.date() is the method used to extract the date part from a datetime object. Ensure you’re using the right function for your use case.

Conclusion

The TypeError: descriptor 'date' for 'datetime.datetime' objects doesn't apply to object occurs because datetime.datetime.date is a method meant to extract the date portion from a datetime object, not a constructor for creating a date object. To fix this error, you should use the datetime.date() constructor to create dates directly. If you’re working with a datetime object, use the .date() method to extract the date.

Congratulations on reading to the end of this tutorial!

For further reading on datetime TypeErrors, go to:

How to Solve Python TypeError: ‘datetime.datetime’ object is not callable

To learn more about Python, specifically for data science and machine learning, go to the online courses page on Python.

Have fun and happy researching!