Variable assignment in python

Question

I am calling a method on an object and I want the returned value to be assigned to the object itself. Is there a proper programming idiom for this?

The example I am using is this:

d = "2007-07-18 10:03:19"
d.split()[0]

However split doesn't change the original.

The other way:

d = d.split()[0]

Seems rather clunky. Is there a cleaner way or is this just the way it is?

That is just the way it is.

BrenBarn
– BrenBarn

2013-05-29 04:36:34 +00:00
Commented May 29, 2013 at 4:36 — BrenBarn
– BrenBarn, Commented May 29, 2013 at 4:36

jamylak · Accepted Answer · 2013-05-29 04:35:50Z

3

No, you are using a string, which is immutable, so you can't mutate its value.

Is there a proper programming idiom for this?

You are already using it, however to be more efficient you may use d=d.split(None, 1)[0] since you only need the first part, but what you are doing is sufficient anyway.

answered May 29, 2013 at 4:35

jamylak

134k30 gold badges238 silver badges240 bronze badges

Sign up to request clarification or add additional context in comments.

1 Comment

Elazar Over a year ago

In a bit different scenario, x=list(d) and then working with x might be sensible. I think.

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

Variable assignment in python

1 Answer 1

1 Comment

Your Answer

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

1 Answer 1

1 Comment

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Related