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

Jennefer Boudreau
Jennefer Boudreau
3,423 Points
Posted by Jennefer Boudreau
Jennefer Boudreau
3,423 Points

Python Slices Challenge 1: What am I doing wrong?

Okay, guys and gals! My brain can't wrap around this problem and what I am doing wrong. I counted the indexes numerous times and pretty sure I checked my spelling. I keep getting a "Bummer! Didn't find the right items blah blah blah"

I need to include the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th items.

I created a variable that copies the list "favorite_things" and now I need to take that copy and show the above items.

What am I doing incorrectly?!

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[:]
slice1[1:5]
Jennefer Boudreau
Jennefer Boudreau
3,423 Points
Jennefer Boudreau
Jennefer Boudreau
3,423 Points

Btw, I have also tried [1:4]

I noticed the the above [1:5] is not correct, but [1:4] returns an error as well.

Jennefer Boudreau
Jennefer Boudreau
3,423 Points
Jennefer Boudreau
Jennefer Boudreau
3,423 Points

Nevermind! I figured it out!

BUT, can someone explain why I needed to type it like this:

slice1 = favorite_things[:] slice1 = slice1[1:4]

Wouldn't slice[1:4] still print out the intended list items after creating the variable slice1?

Alexander Davison
Alexander Davison
65,469 Points

You didn't need the slice1 = favorite_things[:] line of code.

All you need is:

slice1 = favorite_things[1:4]

1 Answer

Alexander Davison
Alexander Davison
65,469 Points

You don't need to make a copy of the list because you are making a new list from scratch.

If you write something like this:

a = [1, 2, 3]
b = a[0:2]

a and b are separate, because a[0:2] makes a brand new list.

So, this means you only need to write this to pass the challenge:

slice1 = favorite_things[1:4]
Jennefer Boudreau
Jennefer Boudreau
3,423 Points
Jennefer Boudreau
Jennefer Boudreau
3,423 Points

Thank you! Less typing is always good =]