Select a random element from a set in Python
What is a set in Python?
A set is an unordered collection of elements that are repeatable, mutable, and have no repeating elements. The elements in a set can be heterogeneous. Sets use a structure known as a hash table to look up a given element, making them faster and more efficient to process than a list. Because sets are unordered, we can't access elements using indexes, as we can in lists. The set syntax is as follows:
variable_name = {element_one, element_two, element_three}
Where element_one/two/three is any data type present in Python.
Picking a random element from a set
Selecting a random element from multiple elements can be done using a pseudo-random number generator. For this, functions from the random library will be used.
Using the select function
The selection function selects a random element from a non-empty sequence. The function takes a sequence as an argument and returns a random element from it. The following example demonstrates the use of the select function to select a random element from a predefined set:
import random
# A set containing elements of different datatype
set = (1, "Hello", 38, 44.45, "Apples", False)
print("An element from the set:" , random.choice(set))
output:
An element from the set: 38
Explanation:
First, a set is defined as containing multiple elements of different data types. The select function is then called and the set is passed as an argument. The function returns a random element from the set.
Using the ranking function
The randrange function selects a random element from a given range. The function takes a range (or end point) as an argument and returns a random element from the range, regardless of bounds. The following example shows the use of the randrange function to select a random element from a predefined set:
import random
# A set containing elements of different datatype
set = (1, "Hello", 38, 44.45, "Apples", False)
# Passing the length of the set as an argument to the function
# This produces a random integer between the index 0 to Len-1
element = random.randrange(, len(set))
# Obtaining a element from the list based on its index
# Where the index is obtained randomly
print("An element from the set:", set[element])
output:
An element from the set: 38
Explanation:
First, the same set was defined as in the previous example. The randrange function is then called and the length of the set is passed as an argument. The function generates a random integer in the given range, which is stored in a variable. Finally, it displays the element associated with that index (denoted by a random integer) within the set.
