What is wrong with this code?

def my_func(var):
if var = "the sky":
print("wow.")
elif var = "the ocean":
print("wow.")
else:
print("what?")

Question

What is wrong with this code?

def my_func(var):
    if var = "the sky":
        print("wow.")
    elif var = "the ocean":
        print("wow.")
    else:
        print("what?")

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

We start by restating the given code and the possible issues it might have, so the student can map each option to a concrete problem in the code.
Option 1: 'Syntax error: incorrect use of print statement' — In Python 3, print is a function, so the statement print("wow.") is valid syntax. The code has proper parentheses around the string, so this option does not describe the actual problem here. The error is not about the print statement itself.
Option 2: 'Incorrect test for equality' — The code uses if var = "the sky": and elif var = "the ocean":, which attempts to assign a value to var instead of comparing var to the strings. In Python, the equality test requires the double equals operator (==). This is a classic mistake of mixing assignment with a comparison, and it leads to a syntax error if assignment is not allowed in that context, or unexpected behavior if the language allows it. This aligns with the core flaw of the snippet.
Option 3: 'Indentation error' — The code shows indentation that appears consistent with Python's block structure, assuming the given spaces and tabs are not mixing, so there is no visible indentation mismatch in the snippet itself. The problem isn’t an indentation error based on the snippet as presented.
Option 4: 'Missing variable declaration' — Python is dynamically typed and does not require explicit variable declarations before use. The code defines var via the parameter and uses it in comparisons, so there isn't a missing declaration issue in Python. This option does not describe the actual fault.
Overall, the most pertinent issue in this specific code sample is the misuse of the assignment operator = where a comparison operator == is intended, leading to incorrect test logic rather than a syntax error, indentation mishap, or a missing declaration.

2254 BIOSC 1544 SEC1000 Exam #1

What is wrong with this code? def my_func(var): if var = "the sky": print("wow.") elif var = "the ocean": print("wow.") else: print("what?")

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