pythonfunctionargs

Why using *args in defining functions is storing just one value


I am having a problem using *args in a function I am defining. Here is an example of one code:

def feet_to_meter(*args):
    """
    :param *args: numeric values in feet
    :output: returns list of values in meter
    """
    
    value_list = [ ]
    conversion_factor = 0.3048
    
    for arg in args:
        try:
            value_list.append(arg * conversion_factor)
        except TypeError:
            print(str(arg) + "is not a number")
        return value_list
        
print ("Function call with 3 values: ")
print(feet_to_meter(3, 1, 10))

I understand that the code should convert the 3 values but somehow after executing the program I only get the result of the first value. I am using Pydroid 3.

Thanks in advance


Solution

  • The return value_list needs to have one less tab. Working version below.

    def feet_to_meter(*args):
        """
        :param *args: numeric values in feet
        :output: returns list of values in meter
        """
        
        value_list = [ ]
        conversion_factor = 0.3048
        
        for arg in args:
            try:
                value_list.append(arg * conversion_factor)
            except TypeError:
                print(str(arg) + "is not a number")
        return value_list
    

    This happens because the return statement is executed on every iteration of the for, but a return will immediately exit the function after only one append has occurred. Placing the return at the same indentation as the for allows the for to finish executing before finally returning value_list