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Python Python Collections (2016, retired 2019) Slices Back and Forth

Posted by Joe Mackey
Joe Mackey
20,418 Points

Alright, let's make this last step a bit harder and do two things. Make a copy of favorite_

I made a copy of favorite _things and called the copy sorted_things[:] then appended .sort() tired of watching the movie, what am I doing wrong here.

Thanks Joe

slices.py 
favorite_things = ['raindrops on roses', 'whiskers on kittens', 'bright copper kettles',
                   'warm woolen mittens', 'bright paper packages tied up with string',
                   'cream colored ponies', 'crisp apple strudels']

slice1 = favorite_things[1:4]
slice2 = favorite_things[-2:]
favorite_things = sorted_things[:].sort() # favorite_thingd = sorted_things[:] should make a copy of original list, right?
                                           # then append .sort() should sort the new list, right?
                                           # why does this code return Task 1 is no longer passing?

3 Answers

Chris Freeman
MOD
Chris Freeman
Treehouse Moderator 68,457 Points
Chris Freeman
Chris Freeman
Treehouse Moderator 68,457 Points

There are two errors in your code. First it seems what you really wanted was to make a copy of favorite_things, then sort it and assign it to sorted_things. Something like:

sorted_things = favorite_things[:].sort()

The issue with this approach is that .sort() sorts a list in-place and returns None. This means that the new temporary list favorite_things[:] does get sorted in place, but it is the return value None that gets assigned to sorted_things.

To correct this, break the statement into two parts:

sorted_things = favorite_things[:]  # sorted_things get the copy
sorted_things.sort()  # sorted_things is sorted in-place

Post back if you need more help. Good Luck!!

Joe Mackey
Joe Mackey
20,418 Points
Joe Mackey
Joe Mackey
20,418 Points

Thank you sir. I had my head pointed the wrong way. But I bet I remember that kind hint. Thanks Joe

Tapiwanashe Taurayi
Tapiwanashe Taurayi
15,889 Points
Tapiwanashe Taurayi
Tapiwanashe Taurayi
15,889 Points

sorted_things = favorite_things[:] # sorted_things get the copy sorted_things.sort()