python return - “name not defined”

Question

I\'m trying to get this script to write information into a basic text file. I\'m still learning python.

The problem lies here:

file_text = \"\"\"%s SHOOT         


        

Answer 1

This looks like a scope issue. Variables declared inside functions are only defined within that function. To fix it, put the declaration of the variable on the same scope as where it is used. See below for the sample code

number_of_details = 0

def detailformation():
    number_of_details = number_of_firers / number_of_lanes
    return number_of_details

file_text = """%s SHOOT DETAILS\n
Number of shoots:\t %s
Maximum range:\t %s
Number of firers:\t %s
Number of lanes active:\t %s
Number of details:\t %s
Troops per detail:\t %s
\n 
RANGE STAFF
Ammo NCO:\t %s
Medical Supervisor:\t %s
IC Butts:\t %s""" % (shoot_name, number_of_shoots, max_range, number_of_firers, number_of_lanes, number_of_details, size_of_details, ammo_nco, medical_supervisor, ic_butts)

Note that this is just a quick solution (putting the variable on the global scope).

Answer 2

Call your functions in order to get the value they return

size_of_details = detailsizer() 

Answer 3

The variables only exist in the scope you declare them

def fun():
    x = 5
    return x

>>> x
Traceback (most recent call last):
  File "<pyshell#4>", line 1, in <module>
    x
NameError: name 'x' is not defined

If you want to use the return value from a function, then call the function and assign it to such a variable

>>> x = fun()
>>> x
5