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Python Python Basics (2015) Letter Game App Random Item

Posted by Jacob White
Jacob White
813 Points

Where to define a variable in a function?

Hello,

I am trying to write this simple function. When I enter this code, Treehouse tells me the function is not defined. I am no sure why. Is it incorrect to try and define the variable directly below the function? Any help with this code would be great!

item.py 
import random

def random_item("Treehouse"):

  name = random.randint(0, (len("Treehouse") - 1))

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

2 Answers

micram1001
micram1001
33,833 Points
micram1001
micram1001
33,833 Points

See post (https://teamtreehouse.com/community/randomchoice-rebuild) or code below:

import random

def random_item(iterable):
  return iterable[random.randint(0,len(iterable)-1)]
Chris Freeman
MOD
Chris Freeman
Treehouse Moderator 68,441 Points
Chris Freeman
Chris Freeman
Treehouse Moderator 68,441 Points

The "function not defined" can mean there is a syntax error that is causing an error so function isn't defined.

Here is your code fixed:

import random

# Pprovide argument to function instead of literal string
def random_item(arg):
    # parens not need around 'len'
    index = random.randint(0, len(arg) - 1)
    # index the item within 'arg'
    # return does use parens
    return arg[index]