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

Posted by Pat Dudar
Pat Dudar
2,490 Points

sorted_things

Hi, there! I'm trying to use the .sort() command for sorting out the list on favorite_things. I'm not sure if I'm just missing something very simple for the list to be recognized. Any tips!

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[5:8]
favorite_things = sorted_things
sorted_things.sort()

2 Answers

Matthew Long
Matthew Long
28,407 Points
Matthew Long
Matthew Long
28,407 Points

You've almost got it except sorted_things = favorite_things doesn't actually create a new array. There is still only one array, where sorted_things is a reference to favorite_things. To get around this you can slice it. You can use the slice to create a copy by slicing the original array from beginning to end, [:]. This was the very last topic discussed on slices in the last video.

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']

sorted_things = favorite_things[:]
sorted_things.sort()
Mathieu St-Vincent
Mathieu St-Vincent
9,244 Points
Mathieu St-Vincent
Mathieu St-Vincent
9,244 Points 
slice1 = favorite_things[1:4]

slice2 = favorite_things[-2:]       # Takes the last 2 items of the array
sorted_things = favorite_things[:]  # You reversed the variable order. Also, use [:] to copy without reference

sorted_things.sort()