number - python not in list

If list index exists, do X (7)

I need to code such that if a certain list index exists, then run a function.

You already know how to test for this and in fact are already performing such tests in your code.

The valid indices for a list of length n are 0 through n-1 inclusive.

Thus, a list has an index i if and only if the length of the list is at least i + 1.

In my program, user inputs number n, and then inputs n number of strings, which get stored in a list.

I need to code such that if a certain list index exists, then run a function.

This is made more complicated by the fact that I have nested if statements about len(my_list).

Here's a simplified version of what I have now, which isn't working:

n = input ("Define number of actors: ")

count = 0

nams = []

while count < n:
    count = count + 1
    print "Define name for actor ", count, ":"
    name = raw_input ()
    nams.append(name)

if nams[2]: #I am trying to say 'if nams[2] exists, do something depending on len(nams)
    if len(nams) > 3:
        do_something
    if len(nams) > 4
        do_something_else

if nams[3]: #etc.

len(nams) should be equal to n in your code. All indexes 0 <= i < n "exist".

Could it be more useful for you to use the length of the list len(n) to inform your decision rather than checking n[i] for each possible length?

Do not let any space in front of your brackets.

Example:

n = input ()
         ^

Tip: You should add comments over and/or under your code. Not behind your code.

Have a nice day.

It can be done simply using the following code:

if index < len(my_list):
    print(index, ' exists in the list')
else:
    print(index, " doesn't exist in the list")

Using the length of the list would be the fastest solution to check if an index exists:

def index_exists(ls, i):
    return (0 <= i < len(ls)) or (-len(ls) <= i < 0)

This also tests for negative indices, and most sequence types (Like ranges and strs) that have a length.

If you need to access the item at that index afterwards anyways, it is easier to ask forgiveness than permission, and it is also faster and more Pythonic. Use try: except:.

try:
    item = ls[i]
    # Do something with item
except IndexError:
    # Do something without the item

This would be as opposed to:

if index_exists(ls, i):
    item = ls[i]
    # Do something with item
else:
    # Do something without the item

ok, so I think it's actually possible (for the sake of argument):

>>> your_list = [5,6,7]
>>> 2 in zip(*enumerate(your_list))[0]
True
>>> 3 in zip(*enumerate(your_list))[0]
False