random

The random library lets you introduce randomness into your programs — picking a random number, shuffling a list, or choosing a random item.

import random

Common Functions

random.randint() — Random Integer

Returns a random whole number between two values (inclusive — both endpoints can be returned).

random.randint(1, 6)   # simulates a dice roll: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6
random.randint(0, 100) # random number from 0 to 100

random.choice() — Pick from a List

Returns one random item from a list.

options = ["rock", "paper", "scissors"]
random.choice(options)   # returns one of the three at random

random.shuffle() — Shuffle a List

Shuffles a list in place (modifies the original list).

cards = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
random.shuffle(cards)
print(cards)   # something like [3, 1, 5, 2, 4]

random.random() — Float Between 0 and 1

Returns a random decimal number between 0.0 and 1.0. Useful for probabilities.

random.random()   # something like 0.7341...
 
# 30% chance of something happening:
if random.random() < 0.3:
    print("lucky!")

Example: Coin Flip

import random
 
flip = random.choice(["heads", "tails"])
print(f"You got: {flip}")

Try it out