Python 3.15 Random Values

This notebook covers all three Popcorn Hacks, the four-question MCQ, and the independent randomized SFI backend QA simulator.

Popcorn Hack 1: Random SFI Record Number

random.randint(1, total_records) includes both endpoints, so every record number from 1 through 4 is reachable. Repeated values are normal because each random selection is independent.

Code Runner Challenge

Popcorn Hack 1 - Random SFI Record Number

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# CODE_RUNNER: Popcorn Hack 1 - Random SFI Record Number
# Repeating the selection demonstrates that valid random IDs can repeat and do not have to cycle in order.
import random

total_records = 4

# randint includes both endpoints, so every valid record ID can be selected.
for run_number in range(5):
    chosen_record = random.randint(1, total_records)
    print("Random record ID:", chosen_record)
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Output
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Popcorn Hack 2: Random Structured SFI Car Part

Selecting the entire dictionary with random.choice() keeps the product name, category, and spec number connected as one structured record.

Code Runner Challenge

Popcorn Hack 2 - Random SFI Part Record

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# CODE_RUNNER: Popcorn Hack 2 - Random SFI Part Record
# Keeping the fields together prevents a product name from being accidentally paired with another record's spec number.
import random

parts = [
    {"product_name": "Replacement Flywheels and Clutch Assemblies", "category": "Auto Racing", "spec_number": "1.1"},
    {"product_name": "Multiple Disc Clutch Assemblies", "category": "Drag Racing", "spec_number": "1.2"},
    {"product_name": "Racing Flywheel Record", "category": "Auto Racing", "spec_number": "2.1"}
]

# Choose one complete record instead of choosing fields separately.
chosen_part = random.choice(parts)
print("Product:", chosen_part["product_name"])
print("Category:", chosen_part["category"])
print("Spec number:", chosen_part["spec_number"])
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Output
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Popcorn Hack 3: Random SFI API Test

The QA test randomly selects both a record and an API action, then routes the result through action-specific backend behavior.

Code Runner Challenge

Popcorn Hack 3 - Random SFI API Test

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# CODE_RUNNER: Popcorn Hack 3 - Random SFI API Test
import random

parts = [
    {"product_name": "Replacement Flywheels", "spec_number": "1.1"},
    {"product_name": "Multiple Disc Clutch Assemblies", "spec_number": "1.2"},
    {"product_name": "Racing Flywheel Record", "spec_number": "2.1"}
]
actions = ["GET/search", "POST/create", "PUT/update"]
stored_specs = ["1.1", "2.1"]

# Each run independently chooses a record and an API action.
part = random.choice(parts)
action = random.choice(actions)
print("Selected:", part["product_name"], "|", action)

# Route the selected action through the matching backend-style response.
if action == "GET/search":
    print("SEARCH RESULT:", part["product_name"], part["spec_number"])
elif action == "POST/create":
    if part["spec_number"] in stored_specs:
        print("CREATE REJECTED: duplicate spec", part["spec_number"])
    else:
        print("CREATE ACCEPTED:", part["spec_number"])
else:
    print("UPDATE TEST:", part["spec_number"])
Lines: 1 Characters: 0
Output
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MCQ 3.15

Answers: C, B, B, B
Score: 4/4

  1. C: randint(2, 5) can return 2, 3, 4, 5.
  2. B: independent random selections are allowed to repeat.
  3. B: random.randint(1, 4) matches inclusive RANDOM(1,4).
  4. B: one run may show only one of many possible outcomes.

Homework Hack: SFI Backend QA Simulator

The simulator performs five randomized tests using structured records and four backend actions, including duplicate-spec handling for create operations.

Code Runner Challenge

3.15 Homework - SFI Backend QA Simulator

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# CODE_RUNNER: 3.15 Homework - SFI Backend QA Simulator
import random

parts = [
    {"product_name": "Replacement Flywheels", "category": "Auto Racing", "spec_number": "1.1"},
    {"product_name": "Multiple Disc Clutch Assemblies", "category": "Drag Racing", "spec_number": "1.2"},
    {"product_name": "Racing Flywheel Record", "category": "Auto Racing", "spec_number": "2.1"}
]
actions = ["GET/search", "POST/create", "PUT/update", "DELETE/remove"]
stored_specs = ["1.1", "2.1"]
runs = 5

# Repeat the QA process because one random run cannot show every possibility.
for run_number in range(1, runs + 1):
    part = random.choice(parts)
    action = random.choice(actions)
    print("\nTest", run_number)
    print("Record:", part["product_name"], "| Spec:", part["spec_number"], "| Action:", action)

    # Each action follows a separate backend-style path.
    if action == "GET/search":
        print("SEARCH: found", part["product_name"])
    elif action == "POST/create":
        if part["spec_number"] in stored_specs:
            print("CREATE REJECTED: duplicate spec number")
        else:
            stored_specs.append(part["spec_number"])
            print("CREATE ACCEPTED: spec stored")
    elif action == "PUT/update":
        if part["spec_number"] in stored_specs:
            print("UPDATE ACCEPTED: existing record can be updated")
        else:
            print("UPDATE REJECTED: record does not exist")
    else:
        if part["spec_number"] in stored_specs:
            print("DELETE TEST: existing record would be removed")
        else:
            print("DELETE TEST: no matching stored record")
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Output
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Randomness Explanation

The possible record IDs are limited to the valid inclusive range, but repeated values are expected because the selections are independent. Testing a random program several times gives more evidence than one run, although no fixed number of random runs guarantees that every possible record/action combination will appear.