In this example, we will create a python function which will take in a list of numbers and then return the smallest value. The solution to this problem is first to create a place holder for the first number within the list, then compares that number with other numbers within the same list in the loop. If the program found a number which is smaller than the one in the place holder, then the smaller number will be assigned to that place holder.
def find_smallest_int(arr):
smallest = None
for elem in arr:
if(smallest == None or smallest > elem):
smallest = elem
return smallest
If you have a better solution then kindly leave your comment below this post.
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“Better” – using what measurement?
This might take longer to run, but it’s shorter:
def find_smallest_elem(arr):
return sorted(arr)[0]
It is arguably also easier to read.
(It does, however, behave slightly different when passed an empty list).
This is trivial, you don’t need a function:
sorted(arr)[0] if arr else None
You can also use the built-in MIN function
>>> min([2,3,6,3,5])
2
>>> min([3,6,3,5])
3