[Tutor] trouble with function-- trying to check differences btwn 2 strings

[wesley chun]

>  >>> x=('i' in 'i')
>  >>> x
> True
>  >>> y='i'
>  >>> x==y
> False

you're right when you talk about "casting" altho that's not what
python does.  it merely performs an object value comparison when you
use '=='.  for example, change your code above to:

>>> True == 'i'    # because this is what you're really doing with x==y
False

so the reason why you get a false is that those 2 values *are*
different from each other, even if their boolean truthfulness may be
the same:

>>> bool(True) == bool('i')
True

how's *that* for casting?  :-)

just remember that the interpreter compares *values* and not boolean
truthfulness, and you'll be ok.  if you really want the latter, then
use bool().

hope this helps!
-- wesley
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"Core Python Programming", Prentice Hall, (c)2007,2001
    http://corepython.com

wesley.j.chun :: wescpy-at-gmail.com
python training and technical consulting
cyberweb.consulting : silicon valley, ca
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