Why do I always code like this?

Question

For some reason I am just not smart. Every time I write code I take the longest most unintuitive route when the real answer is much more simple and elegant. Is there a way to just become more clever with this stuff?? For example I had to write a function that reverses a string. I posted the code below but the first function is my work and the second is what you’re ACTUALLY supposed to do.

https://code.sololearn.com/c63XuQh78r6F/?ref=app

Answer 1

For most problems, there are many possible solution. As you get more experience, you may find shorter solutions.
It's okay, that comes with practice

line 16 should be
output = letter + output

Answer 2

It will come. The most important is that you code. Then you can do your codes better and better. No hurry.
And you can even use slices to make your reverse code even shorter, like

print(input()[::-1])

Answer 3

Your idea is ok. Study codes from experienced coder.
You will find the one or other clever hack.

Answer 4

Luke Simmons ,

just to mention that the second 'smart' function does not output anything. the reason is, that variable 'output' is an empty string that never will be changed during iterations of the for loop.

so when it will be returned, the empty string will be printed.

when running the code, the first solution will print the correct result, but not the second one.

this is the code that will run:

def smartreverse(string):
output =""
for letter in string:
#letter += output
output = letter + output
return output

Answer 5

It is normal to code like that when you just start, neer everything can have more solution, but with practice you will know which solution is better.
Try to check somebody else solution and understand that code, you will learn more, and after some time you will make better solution.

Answer 6

Hi Luke Simmons
You did great, functional programming is always the best . Although it might be like a long path.

Here is the simple one.

https://code.sololearn.com/ctMqGrm6fL5Q/?ref=app

Answer 7

There can be more than one "right" way to do things.

Also remember that every expert at anything started as a beginner.

Answer 8

Haha seems i even messed up copying the solution from online. Insult to injury really.

Answer 9

Learn the languages here at Solo Learn, then do a tour in Exercism, where you get review and guidance from code coaches for free.
My code got a lot better - even in languages I had some experience with.

Answer 10

Practice makes you perfect

Answer 11

Very impressive!

try this:

string = "Hello World"
print(string[::-1])

Answer 12

me too 😅🙏 i dont know why?! 🥺🙏

Answer 13

Lisa if it will be output = letter + output, it will print out the given string.

Answer 14

Practice makes a man perfect at things.

Answer 15

RAjNisH SinGh
"Practise writing bad code and you will get good at writing bad code"
-Martin Taylor

Answer 16

Mayank Gupta
output = output + letter would give the given string

output = letter + output (as in my comment) gives the reversed string

Answer 17

Lisa yes
Sorry I did it as output += letter 😅