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Python Python Basics (Retired) Shopping List Lists and Strings

Posted by Ben Muresan
Ben Muresan
265 Points

Splitting my name to create a list?

I'm asked to created a variable with my full name in it. Then to create a list using my name as the individual list items? I think I got it but I'm not allowed to move on. What gives?

greeting_list.py 
full_name = "Ben Muresan"
name_list = []

name_list.append (full_name.split( ))

2 Answers

Kenneth Love
STAFF
Kenneth Love
Treehouse Guest Teacher
Kenneth Love
Kenneth Love
Treehouse Guest Teacher 
full_name = "Ben Muresan"
name_list = []
name_list.append(full_name.split(" "))

So what happens when you do full_name.split(" ") (which, since we want to split on the whitespace, we can leave out the argument all together)? Python makes a new list that looks like ["Ben", "Muresan"]. Then it appends that list to your name_list variable. So at the end, name_list is [["Ben", "Muresan"]]. Instead of name_list being a list of the pieces of your name, it's now a list with a list of the pieces of your name in it.

Have you tried creating name_list by using .split()? Cut out the middleman.

Luke Glazebrook
Luke Glazebrook
13,564 Points
Luke Glazebrook
Luke Glazebrook
13,564 Points

Hi Ben!

Think about what parameter you might need to put into the .split() function. If you are trying to split your name into two separate items how would you split it? Have a think and reply back if you can't get the answer!

-Luke

Ben Muresan
Ben Muresan
265 Points

I've spent over an hour on this exercise. Ive added spaces, commas, whatever I could think of to the .split() function. I know the name needs to be split on the space. Nothing.

Luke Glazebrook
Luke Glazebrook
13,564 Points

If it needs to be split on the space maybe try the line of code below.

.split(" ")
Ben Muresan
Ben Muresan
265 Points

I swear I did at one point. But I'll try again. Thank you.

Luke Glazebrook
Luke Glazebrook
13,564 Points

Alright, tell me if it works out for you!

Ben Muresan
Ben Muresan
265 Points

full_name = "Ben Muresan" name_list = []

name_list.append (full_name.split(" "))

Doesn't work. Any ideas?

Luke Glazebrook
Luke Glazebrook
13,564 Points

Oh, I have spotted the problem! Look at my code below!

full_name = "Luke Glazebrook"
name_list = full_name.split(" ")
Ben Muresan
Ben Muresan
265 Points

I see let me try it, but to be a list doesn't it need to be in [] brackets?