Python Forum

Here is the Udemy instructor's challenge:

Quote:Write a function that capitalizes the first and fourth letters of a name
old_macdonald('macdonald') --> MacDonald

Here is my solution:

def old_macdonald(name):
    first_cap = name[0].capitalize() + name[1:3]
    second_cap = name[3].capitalize() + name[4:]   
    together = first_cap + second_cap
    return together

This produces the desired output: MacDonald but I was wondering how you people would perhaps optimize this or re-write it in a more Pythonic way?

For my future reference, the course material I am working is publicly available here: Pierian-Data/Complete-Python-3-Bootcamp. The specific sub- module I am working on is: 03-Methods and Functions/03-Function Practice Exercises.ipynb

Hint:

>>> "mac".capitalize()
'Mac'

(Dec-30-2018, 03:57 PM)Gribouillis Wrote: [ -> ]Hint:

>>> "mac".capitalize()
'Mac'

Thank you for the hint, Gribouillis.

Programming is like algebra. In my script name carries the string "macdonald". So I rewrote my function by subsitituing all instances of name with the actual string "macdonald". As a result, I call the script differently as well. Based on your hint, here is what my script now:

def old_macdonald():
    reformatted = "macdonald"[0].capitalize() + "macdonald"[1:3] + "macdonald"[3].capitalize() + "macdonald"[4:]
    return reformatted

When I invoke the function in my interpreter with old_macdonald(), it still successfully prints the expected output: 'MacDonald'. So it still works. However my script is less dynamic because now I can't pass any other string as a parameter. Also, line 2 extends way beyond the right margin of my text editor. So for these two reasons I suppose my new script isn't much of an improvement or any more Pythonic. I'd even say it's kinda less Pythonic. haha

Instead of another hint, I think I am ready to recieve the answer from you people. After all, this isn't for credit. It's just a Udemy course.

You didn't understand the hint. I meant

def old_macdonald(name):
    return name[:4].capitalize() + name[4:].capitalize()

By the way if you have a very long expression, you can write it on several lines with the help of parentheses

     result = (foobarbazqux[100034:].capitalize() + x
                   + bazbarquxfoo[800:812].capitalize()
                   + quxbarfooqux("makdoland").upper())

Just a minor correction: The return statement using 4 produces 'MacdOnald'. Changing 4 to 3 creates what we are expecting. I see the slicing syntax and why Python parses this as output.

Thanks again Gribouillis for your advice.