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 Basics (2015) Letter Game App Random Item

Posted by monica shim
monica shim
2,197 Points

random, index, and iterables

Hi! I have not been able to figure this out -- particularly towards the end of the challenge. Thanks in advance for any guidance!

item.py 
# EXAMPLE
# random_item("Treehouse")
# The randomly selected number is 4.
# The return value would be "h"

import random
def random_item ('hello'):
  random_num = random.randint (0, len(('hello')-1))
  return 'hello'[random_num]

2 Answers

Chris Freeman
MOD
Chris Freeman
Treehouse Moderator 68,426 Points
Chris Freeman
Chris Freeman
Treehouse Moderator 68,426 Points

You code is actually very close. You need to provide a variable as the function parameter. You are using a fixed string.

Replacing 'hello' with arg and fixing len(arg)-1 statement:

import random
def random_item(arg):
    random_num = random.randint(0, len(arg)-1)
    return arg[random_num]
monica shim
monica shim
2,197 Points
monica shim
monica shim
2,197 Points

Ah, I see. Makes sense. Thanks so much!