Welcome to the Treehouse Community

Want to collaborate on code errors? Have bugs you need feedback on? Looking for an extra set of eyes on your latest project? Get support with fellow developers, designers, and programmers of all backgrounds and skill levels here with the Treehouse Community! While you're at it, check out some resources Treehouse students have shared here.

Looking to learn something new?

Treehouse offers a seven day free trial for new students. Get access to thousands of hours of content and join thousands of Treehouse students and alumni in the community today.

Start your free trial

Python Python Collections (2016, retired 2019) Slices Slice Functions

Posted by Alex Salas
Alex Salas
3,429 Points

last 4 from a list

I must be missing something very minor. Any clue?

slices.py 
# create a function named first_4

def first_4(given_list):

    list(given_list)  # make it a list
    return given_list[:4]  # return the first four items from whatever iterable is given

# create a function called first_and_last_4

def first_and_last_4(some_list)  # Accepts single iterable

    list_1 = some_list[:4]
    list_2 = some_list[-4:]
    new_list = list_1 + list_2
    return new_list # returns the first 4 and last 4 items as a single value
Alex Salas
Alex Salas
3,429 Points

I cannot get the new_list to return the first 4 and last 4.

1 Answer

Blayne Holland
Blayne Holland
19,321 Points
Blayne Holland
Blayne Holland
19,321 Points

Your code is absolutely correct. But Looks like theres a syntax error. Add a colon after the function declaration

def first_and_last_4(some_list):

colons and semi colons get me EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. very soon you'll be so good, you'll be able to spot them from miles away. Like a sniper from seal team 6 or something. happy hunting.

Alex Salas
Alex Salas
3,429 Points

Oh my god ! - Cant believe it was that. Thank you much Blayne !