How to make a randomly generated Python Variable from a list and keep its value across functions [duplicate]

Question

I have a function test1() and in this function, there is a variable w which is a randomly generated element from a list l. I want to use the value of w in another function test2, but keep the value it generated in test1. my current code is:

import random
def test1 ():
    l = [1,2,3]
    w = random.choice(l)
    print(w)


def test2 ():
    w = test1()
    print(w)


test1()
test2()

with the current code, I get two different values for the variable w, I want its value to be randomly generated once, then be able to use that value across different functions.

Please repeat your instructional materials on using functions. Pay special attention to how you return a value. — Prune
– Prune, Commented Apr 7, 2020 at 17:57

Bruno Mello · Accepted Answer · 2020-04-07 17:41:44Z

1

Test1 doesn't return anything, you have to return w and if you want always the same value you can set a seed:

import random
random.seed(42)
def test1 ():
    l = [1,2,3]
    w = random.choice(l)
    print(w)
    return w


def test2 ():
    w = test1()
    print(w)


test1()
test2()

answered Apr 7, 2020 at 17:41

Bruno Mello

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5 Comments

nekros prime Over a year ago

Thanks, do you mind explaining how seeds work?

Bruno Mello Over a year ago

Here is an explanation: pynative.com/python-random-seed

nekros prime Over a year ago

one more question, this method generates the same number each time but say that I wanted a different number each time but I want it to stay the same when used in different functions. For example, w takes the value of 2, now when I use w its value is 2. If i run this again w could be 1 so when I use w in this instance it remains as 1. Hope that makes sense.

Bruno Mello Over a year ago

No, that can't be done because you are using the random package. If you want you have to generate a list with random values and pass to another value of the list each time but if you want that you have to ask another question

nekros prime Over a year ago

could you show me a simple example?

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