Hello forumers!

I've recently been able to dedicate more time to learning programming (of which I chose to learn Python).

I know about booleans, loops, if statements, etc., but I don't think I understand the theory exactly, which is why my current program does not seem to do what I am intending it to do.

Here is a sample of what my code looks like:

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You'll need to get input while inside the while loop (input should be verified as either yes/no since you don't want any other answers). You should have an array of questions rather than hard coding each one. Then increment through the array to retrieve the next question.

also, use code tags. This is extra-important when posting python code given how python is whitespace-sensitive.

Edit: Oh, also, what version of python are you using? Python before version 3 needs to use raw_input() to get strings.

One problem you're facing is using input instead of raw_input. Input takes a number, where raw_input takes a string.

mystring = raw_input("Write something: ")

This will then allow you to compare it to another string.

if mystring == "ten angry birds":	print "why'd you write that"

This outputs "why'd you write that" if you write "ten angry birds". One last issue in your code is an infinite loop. If you're going to use a while loop until a certain input is given, be sure to allow the user to enter a new input every iteration. Like so...

mystring = raw_input("Write something: ")while mystring != "ten angry birds":	print "this is not the answer we're looking for\n"	mystring = raw_input("Write something: ")

You can also write the above loop like this, but you won't be capable of comparing the input's value elsewhere.

while raw_input("Write something: ") != "ten angry birds":	print "this is not the answer we're looking for\n"

Happy coding.

It's time to upgrade to python 3.3

Note: That's my opinion, anyway. There used to be a big disparity between 2.7 and 3.x, but 3.3 performs well and most libraries and frameworks have made the port (well, of those still alive, anyway). As such I've stopped bothering with 2.7 and embraced the future.

from programming logic

you trapped yourself inside an infinite loop if variable doesn't equal yes

I remember the good, ol' days when I remembered how to quote somebody (and even remove what they said and just "tag" them in my new post, so-to-speak).

I am running Python 3.2. Started off on 2.7, but just upgraded and I am liking it more.

So I guess to start, I don't need raw_input

So if I am stuck inside an infinite loop, I should change my code to...

mystring = input("Write something: ")
while mystring != "ten angry birds":
print "this is not the answer we're looking for\n"
mystring = input("Write something: ")

You know, studying your example AP, it makes so much more sense!

Defron:

As someone who is actively/inactively using 3.3, what sort of suggestions would you offer to a newbie Python 3.x programmer?

Same question back to you Defron, but less 3.x answers obviously!

Thanks guys! I'm going to try tinkering with my code. I've practiced for hours today, and I just took my first break for a couple hours, so I'm ready to go again now. I definitely see how taking breaks is important.

Edit: Ditre, can you explain how I exactly trapped myself inside an infinite loop?

So this is where I am encountering my first issue:

7. if xxxx != yes:

8. print("xxxxxx")

after your while loop begins there isn't any line that changes the variable or exits the loop

yes is being seen as a variable. You need to put it in quotes