argument type

[It's me]

Rocco, your comment noted.

Okay, I got what I need to know for this issue.

Thanks everybody for your help.  I greatly appreciate it.


"Rocco Moretti" <roccomoretti at hotpop.com> wrote in message
news:cqrua6$k0i$1 at news.doit.wisc.edu...
> "It's me" wrote:
>
>  > No, that was just an example.   I actually have additional arguments
>  > that are similar to arg2.  It's not like I can do:
>  >
>  >      def abc(arg1, arg3, *arg2s, *arg3s, *arg4s)
>
> ...
>
> > Now, what if arg2 is not a string but either a number or a bunch of
numbers?
> > Using your method, can I say something to the effect of "if arg2 is
*not* an
> > instance of a simple number"?
>
> Methinks you are trying to shove a 5 bushel problem in a 2 bushel sack.
>
> Take a deep breath. Get a cup of coffee. Read the newspaper. Come back
> in 10-15 min and re-examine the problem with a fresh mind. Do you really
> have to pass multiple, variable sized lists of varying types to the same
> function? Is there some way to break the function into simpler pieces?
> Is there some better way to organize the program as a whole so that you
> avoid the issue altogether - perhaps by defining a new class?
>
> It's been my experience that whenever I'm confused on how I'm going to
> pass a number of parameters to a function, the function is too complex
> and needs to be simplified, either by splitting it up into simpler
> functions, or by moving functionality into object methods. In the end,
> the program not only does what I want, but is also easier to understand.