Python Practice Assessment: Core Skills

Purpose

This assessment helps you practice foundational Python skills, focusing on data structures, functions, basic problem-solving, and understanding how unit tests verify your code. You will implement functions in assessment.py, and your solutions will be checked using test_assessment.py.

Learning Outcomes Assessed

This assessment will test your:

• Understanding of basic data structures (like lists and dictionaries).
• Ability to write and use functions (defining them, using parameters, and returning values).
• Problem-solving skills by implementing simple algorithms.
• Ability to write code that passes pre-written unit tests and interpret test results to guide debugging.

Files

• assessment.py: This is the file you need to edit. It contains function stubs that you must complete, according to their docstrings.
• test_assessment.py: This file contains unit tests. Run these tests to check if your functions in assessment.py work correctly. Do not modify this file. Your goal is to make all tests in this file pass.
• README.md: This file (you're reading it!).

Instructions

1. fork this repository to your own GitHub account.

2. Understand the Task:

   • Open assessment.py. For each function, carefully read its docstring. The docstring explains what the function should do, its parameters, and what it should return.

3. Write Your Code:

   • Implement the logic for each function in assessment.py.

4. Run the Unit Tests:

   • Open your terminal or command prompt.
   • Navigate to the directory where you saved these files.
   • Run the command:

     python -m unittest test_assessment.py

5. Interpret the Test Results:

   • If a test FAILS, the output will tell you:
     • Which function failed.
     • What input caused the failure.
     • What output your function produced (Actual).
     • What output the test expected (Expected).
   • Use this information to find and fix the bugs in your assessment.py code.
   • If all tests show OK, your implementations are correct, according to the tests!

6. Iterate:

   • Modify your code in assessment.py based on the test feedback.
   • Re-run the tests (python -m unittest test_assessment.py) until all tests pass.

Good luck with your assessment! This is a great opportunity to practice and improve your Python skills. If you have any questions, feel free to ask for help or clarification.