Generating distinct random numbers using import random python

Question

I am wondering how the following code works:

def gen_game():
    rst = set()
    while len(rst) < 4:
        rst.add(random.randint(0, 9))
    print(rst)
    return "".join(str(i) for i in rst)

I understand that the above function will generate random numbers and add that together beside each other. What I am concern is that how do I know if the number do not generate distinct numbers?

For example, using random.randint(0,9). How come I do not get double 9s? or triple 9s? or quadruple 9s?

this basically implements random.sample. why not use that directly then? — hiro protagonist
– hiro protagonist, Commented Feb 20, 2020 at 18:01
This is because rst is a set. A set will only contain distinct objects (even when you try to add another 9) — stackErr
– stackErr, Commented Feb 20, 2020 at 18:01
Thank you it answered my question. one more question. why do we use set instead or list? is there a particular reason? — learnnabee
– learnnabee, Commented Feb 21, 2020 at 5:57

Michael Bianconi · Accepted Answer · 2020-02-20 18:01:46Z

4

rst = set()

Sets cannot contain duplicates. If you attempt to add a duplicate, it will reject it.

answered Feb 20, 2020 at 18:01

Michael Bianconi

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2 Comments

learnnabee Over a year ago

out of curiousity why do we use 'set' instead of 'list'? Is there a particular reason?

Michael Bianconi Over a year ago

In case you want a data structure that doesn't contain duplicates. It can be used as more of a contract. You're saying "if you use this, you know there won't be duplicates". For example, if you're passing a list of US States, there shouldn't be any duplicates, so you use a Set.

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