Python Forum

random.choice() returns an element, while random.choices() (with an s) returns a list. I need to use choices, because that allows me to use weights, but I want to return an element rather than a list. Is there a simple way to get an element instead of a list? I've been using a for loop or index positions (see below), but there has to be something easier, right?

I'm really, really new at Python, so please be as simple and non-technical as you can in your replies. Thanks in advance!

Example code:

import random
list1 = ["this", "that", "the other"]

choice1 = random.choice(list1)
choice2 = random.choices(list1)
choice2 = choice2[0]

print(choice1)
print(choice2)

Line 6 of your code really is the simple way. You can combine it with the call to choices to make a one-liner:

choice2 = random.choices(list1)[0]