Lists and Randomness

A list holds many values in one variable, written inside square brackets. random.choice() reaches into a list and pulls out one item at random, so the program can surprise the player. To use random you first bring it in with import random at the top - the first time you have needed a tool that is not built in. Lists plus randomness are what make a game feel different every time you play.

• Make a list and read items from it.
• Use random.choice() to pick a random item from a list.
• Explain why import random has to come first.
• Fix a program that uses random without importing it.

list

An ordered collection of values inside square brackets, like ["a", "b", "c"].

item

One value stored in a list.

import

Brings in extra tools Python does not load by default, like the random module.

random.choice()

Picks one item from a list at random.

Edit the starter code below and press Run to see it work. Use Reset starter code to go back to the original at any time.

Expected output

You head down a quiet cave.
At the end, you find an old map.

Add a third list of characters the player meets along the way, pick one at random, and print a line about them.

Python says random is not defined. This program uses random.choice(), but random is a tool that has to be brought in first. What single line belongs at the very top?

Broken code

paths = ["a dark forest", "a quiet cave"]
path = random.choice(paths)
print(path)

Bring in the random tool at the top:
import random

Ask the player's name with input() at the start, then use it in the random story so the adventure feels like it is about them.

Two players run this and get different stories. Why does that make a game more fun to play more than once?

Facilitating this lesson? See the teacher & librarian guide for how to run it, common mistakes, and an offline backup activity.