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Asked: 2024-09-26T04:19:00+05:30 In:

How can we minimize Python code to perform A minus B functionality?

I stumbled upon this challenge the other day, and it got me thinking about how concise we can really get with Python. The task is to write the shortest program that achieves a simple “A-B” functionality—specifically, it should take an input of two numbers, A and B, and output the result of A minus B. Seems easy enough, right? But here’s the catch: we need to keep it as short as possible!

I found some solutions that use all kinds of clever tricks to whittle down their code. Some use lambda functions, others leverage built-in functions to their advantage, and a few even find sneaky ways to handle input and output in a minimalistic fashion. It got me thinking about how our coding instincts kick in. Do we favor clarity over brevity, or do we dive headfirst into byte-saving optimizations?

For example, while I was trying to solve it myself, I found myself writing more than what I initially intended. I mean, I started with a few print statements and ended up overcomplicating things. The real challenge, it turns out, is to balance readability and minimal lines of code.

I’d love to hear from others who tackle this! What’s your approach when you’re trying to squeeze a solution into as few characters as possible? Have you found any unexpected methods or Python features that help in these kinds of challenges? And if you’ve got a solution that you’re particularly proud of, please share it! I’m curious to see how others interpreted the challenge and what ingenious shortcuts you’ve come up with.

So, what do you think? Are we programmers naturally inclined to fluff up our code, or can we really get to the bare essentials? Let’s see how creative we can get with just A, B, and that good ol’ subtraction! Show me your tricks!

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    2 Answers






    1. Short Python Program

      Python Solution for A – B

      # This is a super simple way to do A - B in Python.
# You can just use input and print to keep it short.

print(int(input()) - int(input()))

      So, basically, you just read two numbers from input and subtract them right away. It’s neat because it uses only one line for the output.

      When I first tried, I thought it had to be way more complicated. But look! Just read, convert to int, and subtract! Super minimalist!

      I wonder if there are even shorter methods. Like maybe using a lambda function or something clever. Anyone else have cool tricks to share?



    2. To tackle the challenge of creating a concise Python program that subtracts two numbers, we can leverage several techniques to minimize the length of our code while still keeping it functional. A concise solution could be as simple as the one-liner below, which makes use of Python’s ability to handle input and output seamlessly:

      print(int(input())-int(input()))

      This one-liner is effective because it combines reading the inputs and performing the subtraction in a streamlined manner. It first collects input, converts them to integers, and then computes the subtraction in a single function call inside the print statement. By using int() for type conversion directly, we eliminate the need for additional variables or separate lines for computation, which keeps the code clean and minimal.

      When approaching such challenges, it’s important to remember that while brevity is tempting, we should also maintain clarity where possible. Therefore, although I find the above solution elegant, I often prefer to write code that is slightly longer but more comprehensible for the sake of maintainability. Utilizing features like lambda functions could also be a part of this minimalist coding style, but simplicity is key. Each programmer may have their own unique way of interpreting these constraints, but the ultimate goal remains the same: achieving functionality with finesse.


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