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Python Python Basics (2015) Letter Game App Random Item

Posted by John Wetherbee
John Wetherbee
1,467 Points

I don't know where to begin on this objective. Please help. Thank you! John

This is too hard for me.

I would appreciate if someone helped me.

John

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

import random
def random_item(iterable):

    random.randint(0, 10)

5 Answers

nicole lumpkin
PLUS
nicole lumpkin
Courses Plus Student 5,328 Points
nicole lumpkin
nicole lumpkin
Courses Plus Student 5,328 Points

Hey John,

You got this! Let's break this down :)

You've seen how random.choice() works. It gets a random member from an iterable (like a list or a string). I want you to try and reproduce it yourself. First, import the random library.

import random

Then create a function named random_item that takes a single argument, an iterable.

def random_item(some_iterable):

Then use random.randint() to get a random number between 0 and the length of the iterable, minus one. 

    index = random.randint(0,len(some_iterable)-1)

Return the iterable member that's at your random number's index.

    return some_iterable[index]

So the whole thing amounts to this:

import random

def random_item(some_iterable):
    index = random.randint(0,len(some_iterable)-1)
    return some_iterable[index]
John Wetherbee
John Wetherbee
1,467 Points
John Wetherbee
John Wetherbee
1,467 Points

Thanks vey much Nicole! Haven't a clue how this one would be solved by a beginner like myself.

Have a great Sunday!

John

nicole lumpkin
nicole lumpkin
Courses Plus Student 5,328 Points
nicole lumpkin
nicole lumpkin
Courses Plus Student 5,328 Points

Don't be discouraged!! I'm a beginner too, I'm just further along in the lessons than you are. I feel lost, confused, and frustrated many times a week. I've even wept at my computer a time or two ;) But if you love this stuff and if you keep chipping away you will get it! I've been a personal trainer for the past six years, and prior to that a waitress for 5 years. I recently quit my successful training job and I'm teaching myself Python full time. If I can do this so can you :) I'd wish you good luck but that's not what it's about. So have a good time studying and experimenting every day!!! Also, perhaps start doing what I'm doing. Go into the community forums and scroll for unanswered questions from fellow students that you can answer! If you can explain it to someone else it helps them as well as yourself. Happy Coding <3

John Wetherbee
John Wetherbee
1,467 Points
John Wetherbee
John Wetherbee
1,467 Points

Thanks for your response Nicole!

Keep in touch!

John

Sashi Shah
Sashi Shah
2,528 Points
Sashi Shah
Sashi Shah
2,528 Points

Thanks Nicole..those are encouraging words. :)

John Wetherbee
John Wetherbee
1,467 Points
John Wetherbee
John Wetherbee
1,467 Points

Hi Nicole,

Things are well, thank you. Been studying off a book and not listened to Treehouse for a week now. But I plan to resume Treehouse training soon. My email is johnwetherbee3@gmail.com. I would like to communicate but in a more private medium.

Thank you for reaching out to me!

John