Next code challenge task is f***ed up!!!

This was my answer. I really don't like using negation. However, sometimes it is the only way. I prefer to think positively and, sometimes, I have a hard time visualizing negative speech.

When I test to see if there is an invalid first character, I replace it with: stub_

Part of the challenge is to make sure valid characters are used. So, I borrowed code from the builder.py exercise.

I wasn't sure how to handle the optional positional argument of "path." So, I took a guess and gave it a default value of ''.

Personally, I don't enjoy challenges like these. I think the requirements were too vague. I understand that doing things like this help with the learning process. However, there's a point that it becomes an exercise in frustration.

import os
import re
import unicodedata

def slugify(my_string, my_path=''):
    my_string = unicodedata.normalize('NFKC', my_string)
    if not re.match(r'^[\w\d_]', my_string): # Is the first character valid?
        my_string = 'stub_' + my_string
    my_string = re.sub(r'\s+', '_', my_string) # Remove spaces.
    if my_path:
        my_slug = os.path.join(my_path, my_string) # If there's a path, add the stub.
        if os.path.exists(my_slug):
            print("File exists.  Try again.")
            return
        else:
            return my_slug
    else:
        return my_string
    return

I have no idea what it wants us to do. The challenge says a slug should be unique for it's path

What path? Is the function taking a filename or directory name with or without the path attached? Are we supposed to make up our own path to put the files in?

Here's the code I used, which doesn't work because I have no idea what the challenge is asking.

import re
import os

def slugify(string):
    if re.match(r'[\w\d_]', string):
        string = re.sub(r'\s+', '_', string)
        if os.path.exists(string):
            pass
        else:
            return string
    else:
        pass

Thanks!

This worked

import re
import os

def slugify(string, path):
    if not re.match(r'[\w\d_]', string):
        string += '_'
    string = re.sub(r'\s+', '_', string)
    slug = os.path.join(path, string)
    while os.path.exists(slug):
        slug += '_'
    return slug

Without overthinking it.

import os

def slugify(name, path):
    name = name.strip().lower()

    while name.find('  ') > 1:
        name = name.replace('  ', ' ') 

    name = name.replace(' ', '_')

    if os.path.exists(os.path.join(path, name)):
        return
    return name

Okay, I hate to say this, but trying this challenge has been a pure process of 'slugification' for me. Anyway, your tips were wonderful....ty for helping me finally pass it!