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Python Python Basics (Retired) Putting the "Fun" Back in "Function" Shopping List Redux

Posted by Ryan Ferguson
Ryan Ferguson
4,786 Points

When using 'HELP' the word 'HELP' is added to my list as well. Not sure why...

shopping_list = []

def show_help():
  print("What should we pick up at the store?")
  print("Enter DONE to stop. Enter HELP for this help.")


def add_to_list(item):
  shopping_list.append(item)
  print("Added: List has {} items".format(len(shopping_list)))

def show_list():
  print("Here's your list:")
  for item in shopping_list:
    print(item)

show_help()

while True:
  new_item = input("> ")
  if new_item == 'DONE':
    show_list()
    break
  elif new_item == 'HELP':
    show_help()
    continue
  elif new_item == 'SHOW':
    show_list()
    continue
  add_to_list(new_item)
  continue

2 Answers

Xavier Duncan
.a{fill-rule:evenodd;}techdegree
Xavier Duncan
Full Stack JavaScript Techdegree Student 6,138 Points

Had a similar issue early on. Are you making sure that your input has the same capitalization (or lack there of) as whatever you used to define your variable in the code?

For example, if you stated: 

new_item == 'HELP'

Then you must type HELP in all caps for it to work.

If you stated:

new _item == 'helP'

Then you must type helP with the P capitalized for it to work.

Also, make sure that you're not including the ' ' or " " around the word HELP when you enter it into the script. Those should only be used in the code, and if you type it as 'HELP' in the script, it will add 'HELP' to the list instead of performing the desired function.

Hope this helps!

Ryan Ferguson
Ryan Ferguson
4,786 Points

I was almost certain that I entered it correctly, because the word HELP was being added to my list, but for some reason I'm unable to replicate the issue. Maybe just a brain fart on my end!

Thanks!

Aleksandre Martashvili
Aleksandre Martashvili
7,373 Points
Aleksandre Martashvili
Aleksandre Martashvili
7,373 Points

I had the same issue, so I just added else: before add_to_list(new_item)

while True:
    new_item = input("> ")
    if new_item == "DONE":
        break
    elif new_item == "HELP":
        show_help()
    elif new_item == "SHOW":
        show_list()
    else:
        add_to_list(new_item)
    continue