How to access a subset of values from the returned set of values of a function in Python?

Question

I have a Python function that returns a set of values say a1,...,an.

Example. The returned set is a1,a2,a3,a4.

def myFunction():
    # The code
    return a1,a2,a3,a4

I would like to access only a1 and a4 for example, how?

I tried

a1, , ,a4 = myFunction()

but it gives me error too many to unpack

EDIT The error too many to unpackwas only given when I tried a1,=myFunction()

Which version(s) of Python? `a1, *_, a4 = ...` works in 3.x. — jonrsharpe, Feb 15 '16 at 20:32
@jonrsharpe I was looking for that (duplicate) question but I couldn't find it. Thanks. — Ribz, Feb 15 '16 at 20:36

score 3 · Accepted Answer · answered Feb 15 '16 at 20:32

3

Use

a1, _, _,a4 = myFunction()

using _ is a common convention in Python for variables that are likely not to be used; they are still variables though.

answered Feb 15 '16 at 20:32

1

Other option is just `result = myFunction()` then reference by place in the tuple `result[0]` – CasualDemon Feb 15 '16 at 20:34
Sure; but it all depends on whether OP has enough patience to do `result[0]` & `result[3]` or not. – Mohammed Aouf Zouag Feb 15 '16 at 20:35
1

Thank you. It works. The system says "You can accept an answer in 7 minutes" – Ribz Feb 15 '16 at 20:37

1 Answers1