CODEWITHSUNDEEP
python
Trying_hard
Trying_hard

Reputation: 9501

Passing list Between Functions

I have the code below where I change the globals. Most of what I have read has said to stay away from globals... In the example below I want to use "make_lists" then print it in "print_list" then clear the list. I use globals to do this, suggestions on how to avoid globals?

I know I could add this all in one function, but this is all part of a bigger function this is the only part I am having problems with. Thank in advance.

x_lst = []

def make_lists():
    global x_lst

    x_lst.append("Hello")

def print_list():
    global x_lst

    for i in x_lst:
        print(i)

    x_lst = []

def main():
    make_lists()
    print_list()

if __name__ =="__main__":
    main()

Upvotes: 0

Views: 1227

Answers (4)

Peter Varo
Peter Varo

Reputation: 12150

To avoid using global, you have to use the return keyword in the function declaration to return a value, which will be your newly created list in our case. You also have to use arguments in the function declaration, which are the placeholders of the values in the function. So the reason why you don't need the global value is because you are passing the list from one function to another.

def make_lists():
    return ['Hello']  # Your are creating the list with a single value,
                      # and return it

def print_list(ls):
    for i in ls:      # You are iterating thru the list,
        print(i)      # which is the input of this function

def main():
    print_list(make_lists())  # In your main function you call the make_list()
                              # which will return the newly created list, and
                              # pass it to print_list, which will iterate thru
                              # the list and prints your values out

if __name__ =="__main__":
    main()

Upvotes: 2

jeremy04
jeremy04

Reputation: 314

Here's my simple suggestion, why not give the functions inputs. Passing in a list to print out instead of using a global variable is an easy alternative. If you're looking for a way to keep state for a particular scope, maybe try putting these functions in a class (in other words use OOP)

The problem with global variables is that when you declare 'x_lst' as global, it opens up "x_lst" to outside the function, which may not or be your intended goal.

Upvotes: 1

user2357112
user2357112

Reputation: 280251

def make_list():
    return ['Hello']

def print_list(l):
    for x in l:
        print(x)

def main():
    print_list(make_list())

Pass data into functions with arguments, and pass data out with return values.

Upvotes: 1

ron rothman
ron rothman

Reputation: 18127

I've made the minimal set of changes to your code that illustrate how to pass your list instead of using a global. Hope this helps clarify.

def make_lists(x_lst):
    x_lst.append("Hello")

def print_list(x_lst):
    for i in x_lst:
        print(i)

def main():
    x_lst = []

    make_lists(x_lst)
    print_list(x_lst)

if __name__ =="__main__":
    main()

Upvotes: 0

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