Why does this kill my code for part 1? (Python Basic Challenge Stage 5)

I'm so annoying. I am looking at my code again. Should I be swapping x and y around in the function call at the end? Or in the format part? I just tried z = summarize(my_list, x) and it still gave me a type error. I'm afraid to edit again because part 1 will probably blow up.

I am trying to respond to your other question....just ignore that one. I am going to remove that one as soon as my browser will let me do that.

Hi Nancy Melucci

Sorry this challenge is giving you so much trouble! If you have any insights on how to make this clearer, please let me know.

OK, let's check out your code. I'm gonna paste it here for future reference:

my_list = [1,2,3]

def add_list(my_list):
  total = 0
  for num in my_list:
      total = total + num
  return total

x= add_list(my_list)
print(x)

def summarize(my_list,x):
    y=str(my_list)
    print("The sum of {} is {}".format(y,x))

z = summarize(y,x)

First off, as far as challenges go, you never have to call the functions yourself or create things like my_list. The Code Challenge will do all of that for you (that's how I make sure the code you wrote does what I want it to). But that won't make your challenge fail.

Your add_list looks great. Good work, there! So, let's look at summarize. summarize() is supposed to take a list and then return a string. If, say, the list was [1, 2, 1], the response should be The sum of [1, 2, 1] is 4.. (You're missing a period at the end of the response, btw)

In your summarize(), you're expecting two arguments. summarize() is only ever going to get one, though (the list to add), so that's going to cause the challenge to fail (write a function that takes two arguments in the shell and then only give it one to see how it fails). You're using .format() correctly, but not giving it the right items. Your y variable is fine, but your x should be the total of the list. I bet you can find a way to get that based on what you did in step 1, huh?

Lastly, be sure you return from your functions in CCs instead of just print()ing.

Good luck and be sure to send me some ideas!

I am sorry. I am confused. Should I have one argument, or two, in my summarize? I cannot follow. It isn't helping that my IDE is taking this code and running it. And then it fails here. And that I have to keep going back to task 1. Can you clarify the point for me? I spotted the period. Also, I saw that the code challenge called for y to be the sum and x to be the string. I apologize for the two threads and the rest of it.

Nancy M.

Here's the new version of the end of the code:

def summarize(my_list, y):

    x = str(my_list)
    return("The sum of {} is {}." .format(x,y))

y = add_list(my_list)
print summarize(my_list)```

Thanks. I did it. See my email. Thanks very much.

Nancy M.