[Tutor] Variables and Functions

[Devon MacIntyre]

Hi,
Just wondering, how would I get a variable out of one function and into
another? I'm trying to make a Sudoku puzzle for Python 2.5.1, and in one
function I have the finished puzzle (as a matrix) called 'puzzle'. Using the
'copy' module I made a deep copy called 'new_puzzle'. That function is
called to create the puzzle and its duplicate, because new_puzzle gets
changed so that 85% of the numbers in the matrix get replaced by an empty
string. Now, I have another function that allows you to choose the where on
the grid to put in the number, but I also need to get new_puzzle in that
function to add numbers not only on the Turtle grid, but add them in
new_puzzle so I can compare it with the original 'puzzle' variable.

PS: Both functions 'new_sudoku()' and 'play_game()' are called by a function
called 'new_game()'. Also, I'm using a Mac, but I'm not sure if that affects
the code or not.

Thanks in advance.
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Re: [Tutor] Variables and Functions

[Devon MacIntyre]

Hi,

I have two functions, 'new_sudoku' and 'play_game'. In new_sudoku, I have a
pre-determined puzzle (I wasn't able to get a randomly generated puzzle
working), as a matrix in the variable 'puzzle'. I imported the 'copy' module
and made a deep-copy of 'puzzle' to make 'new_puzzle', which randomly has
85% of the digits replaced by an empty string. Now that 'new_puzzle' is only
15% filled with numbers, I use turtle to place the numbers on a grid that I
made (also with turtle). After the grid and 'new_puzzle' are generated, I
ask the player if he/she wants to begin playing. If yes, then the function
'play_game' is started. Here, I'm going to let the player choose spots to
input their own numbers to fill in the board. My problem is that I can't get
the variables 'puzzle' and 'new_puzzle' into that function (to be compared)
because they are not globally defined; only in 'new_sudoku' function. Here's
some selected code from my program:

def swap_row(puzzle,row1,row2):
temp = puzzle[row1]
puzzle[row1] = puzzle[row2]
puzzle[row2] = temp

def new_sudoku():
puzzle = [[1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9], \
  [4,5,6,7,8,9,1,2,3], \
  [7,8,9,1,2,3,4,5,6], \
  [2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,1], \
  [5,6,7,8,9,1,2,3,4], \
  [8,9,1,2,3,4,5,6,7], \
  [3,4,5,6,7,8,9,1,2], \
  [6,7,8,9,1,2,3,4,5], \
  [9,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8]]
num_of_swap = random.randint(10,20)
for i in range(num_of_swap):
row1 = random.randint(0,8)
row2 = random.randint(0,8)
if row1/3 == row2/3:
swap_row(puzzle,row1,row2)
new_puzzle = copy.deepcopy(puzzle)
sparseness = 0.85
for i in range(9):
for j in range(9):
if random.uniform(0,1) < sparseness:
new_puzzle[i][j] = ''

def play_game():
'''
Here is where I need the variables 'puzzle' and 'new_puzzle' to be
brought.
'''

I read about the 'class' module, but am not sure on it's execution. I really
appreciate any time spent on my (simple) problem.
Thanks in advance.

On Nov 28, 2007 4:18 PM, Kent Johnson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

> Devon MacIntyre wrote:
> > Hi,
> > Just wondering, how would I get a variable out of one function and into
> > another?
>
> I don't understand your description of your situation, maybe you could
> show a little code as a simple example?
>
> The usual way to get a variable out of a function is to return a value
> from the function. The usual way to get a variable into a function is to
> pass a parameter. If you want tighter coupling than that maybe you
> should make the functions into methods of a class and make the variables
> into instance attributes.
>
> HTH,
> Kent
>
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