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Python Python Testing First Steps With Testing Create a Doctest

Posted by Michael B
Michael B
3,990 Points

Doctest doesn't work for me - tried lots of variations

I have added the following code snippets between the """ quote marks and none of them worked for me. Any ideas?

>>> ave = average([1,2])
>>> ave == 1.5
>>> True

>>> average([1,2]) == 1.5
>>> True

>>> average([1,2])
>>> 1.5

Must be really obvious because I can't see the issue.

Also, for others who might have missed it, it is important to have a space between the chevrons and the doctest code. e.g. >>> ave = average([1,2]) not >>>ave = average([1,2])

average.py 
def average(num_list):
    """Return the average for a list of numbers

    >>> average([1,2])
    >>> 1.5

    """
    return sum(num_list) / len(num_list)

1 Answer

William Li
PLUS
William Li
Courses Plus Student 26,868 Points
William Li
William Li
Courses Plus Student 26,868 Points

Don't put the >>> before the expected output in your doctest.

def average(num_list):
    """Return the average for a list of numbers

    >>> average([1,2])
    1.5

    """
    return sum(num_list) / len(num_list)
Michael B
Michael B
3,990 Points

Brilliant!

I knew it would be obvious!

I thought I had already tried that but then maybe the issue I had with not having a space between the chevron and the code threw me off!!

Thanks for the quick response.