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Discover how to check if a variable is of type list in Python when the name "list" has been shadowed in your environment. This guide provides solutions for survey developers using Decipher/Forsta.
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This video is based on the question https://stackoverflow.com/q/62597207/ asked by the user 'Eric' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/13819749/ ) and on the answer https://stackoverflow.com/a/62597481/ provided by the user 'chepner' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/1126841/ ) at 'Stack Overflow' website. Thanks to these great users and Stackexchange community for their contributions.

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How to Check for List Types in Python When List is a Shadowed Variable

When working with Python, checking the type of a variable is a fundamental concept, especially for developers involved in dynamic environments such as the Decipher/Forsta survey building platform. However, a common challenge arises when the variable name list is shadowed by user-defined variables. This predicament leaves developers unable to use the typical functions such as isinstance() or type() to determine if a variable is a list. In this post, we will explore how to overcome this issue effectively.

The Problem

While programming within the Decipher environment, developers face a unique challenge: both list and type are assigned as global variable names. This makes using the conventional type-checking methods impossible, as their functionality is overshadowed. Typically, in Python, checking if a variable is a list would be straightforward by using the following:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

However, due to variable shadowing, these approaches will not work effectively. In this scenario, we need a new strategy to accurately ascertain the type of a variable.

The Solution

Understanding the Environment

The Decipher/Forsta platform operates with specific constraints. It uses Python 3.x natively, but for survey programming, it provides a restricted version akin to Python 2.x. This limitation impacts how developers are able to utilize built-in functionalities.

Utilizing builtins Module

Python's builtins module gives access to built-in objects, including types and functions, even when their names are shadowed. You can leverage this module to check the type of variables without being affected by any shadowing. Here’s how to effectively use it:

Access the Builtins Module: Even if you’ve overridden the list name in your code, Python still retains access to it via builtins.

Checking the Variable Type:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Using An Alternative Approach

If the builtins method does not meet your needs, you can also implement a custom function to check types safely without relying on the shadowed variable names. This is particularly useful in the Decipher environment:

Create a Function in your embedded.py file:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Execute Your Function in the Survey Environment:

Through the hooks system in the Decipher platform, integrate this function into the survey so it can be utilized:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

This function will efficiently return the type of the variable without conflict from shadowing.

Conclusion

Even when faced with variable shadowing in platforms like Decipher/Forsta, developers still have the tools necessary to check variable types effectively. Leveraging the builtins module provides a reliable way to navigate around the constraints of shadowed variable names. By creating custom functions and making use of the hooks mechanism, you can maintain robust checks throughout your survey programming.

For those in the market research field utilizing Decipher/Forsta, these strategies will undoubtedly enhance your development experience by resolving the intricacies of type-checking in Python.