>> If I have a set of numbers, or strings etc. which have been generated and I >> then want to do something with them, for example a sum function call. Is >> the best way to put those items in a list, or similar container, before >> applying the function. > > Not only "best" but "necessary". the sum () builtin takes an > iterator -- often a list, but needn't be -- of numbers.
I'm a total newbie, but wouldn't it be possible to use a set (from which I think you can get an iterator)? By the way, if you only need to sum a range(n, m) you can use the formula [ m*(m-1) - n*(n-1) ] / 2 or the equivalent (m+n-1)*(m-n)/2. Sorry for pointing out this last thing, of course it is not general at all, but maybe you'll find it useful anyway. Daniele _______________________________________________ Tutor maillist - Tutor@python.org http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/tutor
