Python function from another def function

Question

This question may have been asked for fundamentals of Python, unfortunately, I spent an hour looking for the answer, but couldn't find it. So I am hoping for someone's input. I am used to writing Class where I can give self and get the variable into the def function from another function. How do I capture that variable without writing a Class function? Is there a way? Thanks!

import pandas as pd 

file_Name = 'test.xlsx'

def read_file():
    df = pd.read_excel(file_Name)
    return df
read_file() 

def clean_data():
    text_data = df['some_column_name'].str.replace(';',',') # How to get df from read_file() function?
    return text_data
clean_data()

You don't need arguments here. Just call it in your clean_data method. (e.g df = read_file() ) — scharette
– scharette, Commented Jul 23, 2018 at 18:10
To pass variables to a function's scope, use the function's arguments — rafaelc
– rafaelc, Commented Jul 23, 2018 at 18:11
Do you mean something like this?: read_file(x), where x is variable to be captured. — Austin
– Austin, Commented Jul 23, 2018 at 18:12

chepner · Accepted Answer · 2018-07-23 18:12:49Z

1

You're overthinking it:

df = read_file()
clean_data()  # Uses the global variable df capturing the return value of read_file

Or course, clean_data should take an argument rather than using a global variable.

def clean_data(f):
    text_data = f['some_column_name'].str.replace(';', ',')
    return text_data

f = read_file()
clean_data(f)

answered Jul 23, 2018 at 18:12

chepner

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seralouk · Accepted Answer · 2018-07-23 18:21:42Z

1

Call the first function and save the returned dataframe in a variable df. Then call the second function (clean_data) and pass this df inside it as argument.

Use this:

import pandas as pd 

file_Name = 'test.xlsx'
import pandas as pd 

def read_file():
    df = pd.read_excel(file_Name)
    return df
df = read_file() 

def clean_data(df):
    text_data = df['some_column_name'].str.replace(';', ',')
    return text_data

clean_data()

edited Jul 23, 2018 at 18:21

answered Jul 23, 2018 at 18:12

seralouk

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Comments

Tyler Nichols · Accepted Answer · 2018-07-23 18:11:58Z

0

In general... you can use global variables. But with how your method is set up, you should just do

df = read_file()

inside of your clean_data() method. Then use df from there. Notice df is just the local name for the result of calling read_file(), you can call it anything.

answered Jul 23, 2018 at 18:11

Tyler Nichols

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