python function string parameter convert to variable name

Question

I'm rather new to Python and programming in general, so I apologise in advance if my terminology is incorrect.

hue_alert_delay = 0
def delays(name, delay):
 global hue_alert_delay
 if name == 'hue_alert_delay':
 for i in range(0, delay):
 hue_alert_delay += 1
 time.sleep(1)
 hue_alert_delay = 0
delays('hue_alert_delay', 60)

What I'm trying to achieve:

I would like the function to convert the 'name' parameter, which is a string input, into a pre-exiting variable, which will negate the need for multiple IF statements.

The above example includes only one IF statement, but for my project there will be a lot more and I would rather keep the function clean and simple.

This won't work, but it's what I'm trying to aim for:

hue_alert_delay = 0
def delays(name, delay):
 global name
 for i in range(0, delay):
 name += 1
 time.sleep(1)
 hue_alert_delay = 0
delays('hue_alert_delay', 60)

Any assistance would be appreciated.

Answer 1

Use a dict:

values = {
 'hue_alert_delay': 0
}
def delays(name, delay):
 values[name] += 1

Whenever you feel like using "variable variables", what you most likely really want is a dict storing key-value associations. Yes, there are other ways to do literally what you want, but that soon leads to insane code.

• Sparkacus: Thank you very much

Answer 2

Use a dictionary like so.

vars = {'hue_alert_delay':0}
def delays(name, delay):
 for i in range(0, delay):
 vars[name] += 1
 time.sleep(1)
 vars[name] = 0

You can also use globals()[name] but I won't recommend it.

• TigerhawkT3: The global keyword is unnecessary here. You're not trying to reassign to that name at any point. You're just mutating that object.
• Sparkacus: Thank you very very much, I applied this principle to my project and it worked perfectly.
• Sparkacus: I'm rather new to forums too :). Should I update the post some how to explain that it's resolved?
• Abdul Fatir: @Sparkacus No, you should click on the tick and mark this as the answer if it worked for you.

Answer 3

Use a dictionary:

vars = {'hue_alert_delay':0}
def delays(name, delay):
 for i in range(delay):
 vars[name] += 1
 time.sleep(1)
 vars[name] = 0
delays('hue_alert_delay', 60)