How to select different option regardless of randomized variable

December 18, 2021

The question might be a little misleading, as there are no exact words to express my query shortly. What I want to do is make a random variable, and according to it pick one name from, let’s say, 5 options. Then, pick another name from the same pool of options, however without being the same as the first name.

For example, if I have 5 students (John, Mary, Doug, Brandon, and Ava) and I want to choose between two of them, but not pick the same student twice.

Here is how I proceeded to choose the first variable using random.randint() function.

subj = random.randint(1, 3)
    if subj==1:
        subj1=='John'
    elif subj==2:
        subj1=='Mary'
    elif subj==3:
        subj1=='Doug'

(Note: value names are just an example)

Now for the second value, I have had some ideas, however I don’t know how to complete it.
Any help is appreciated!!

Have a great day.

P.S.: As far as I know there are no other similar questions, or at least I couldn’t find any. If there are, please redirect me there.

>Solution :

How about sampling directly from your list? The code below will select two students from your list at random.

import random

students = ['John', 'Mary', 'Doug', 'Brandon', 'Ava']
selection = random.sample(students, 2)

# Optional: Unpacking list
subj1, subj2 = selection