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TwiddleLab / Code / Build with Python

Strings Are Beads

Lesson 1 of 12 · 5 min · Free, no account needed

What you will learn

  • A string is a row of characters, like beads on a thread. name[0] is the first bead.
  • A negative index counts from the end: name[-1] is the last bead.
  • A slice name[start:stop] is a frame: start is inside, stop is not. name[0:5] takes 5 beads.
  • Slices joined with + make a new string.

Start the lesson

How the lesson goes

  1. Your username is pixel_fox_2009. The game shows only the first 5 letters.

    Drag the frame's edges so it holds exactly those 5 letters.

  2. Which bead is name[-1]?

    A minus sign inside the brackets. Tap the bead you think it gives.

  3. Run it, one line at a time.

    Watch which bead lights or where the frame goes before the output prints.

  4. Strings, indexes and slices.

    A string is text in quotes: a row of characters. len(name) counts them: 14 here.

    An index picks one character: name[0] is the first. A negative index counts from the end: name[-1] is the last, name[-2] the one before.

    A slice name[start:stop] cuts a piece: start is in, stop is out. Leave one out and it runs to the edge: name[:5] is pixel, name[-4:] is 2009.

  5. Cut and join your own gamer tag.

    Each piece is a slice of name. Join two or three into a tag of 4 to 9 characters.

  6. Slice sniper: frame each target, then Fire.

    Five targets. Fewest misses wins three stars.

  7. A slice has a secret third number.

    It's the step. Try each one on your tag.

Next lesson: Text Tricks · Part of the course: Build with Python

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