More efficient way to choose a function

Question

I'm trying to make a Python script that lets me choose what function to do (for example, clean the downloads folder or download videos). All of these cases have a separate script which I import into the main .py file. The way I currently have it set up, I get the input and then if it's 1 then execute the first function, if it's 2 execute the second function and so on. Here's my code currently:

    if action == 1:
        instagram_downloader()
        print("Done")
    elif action == 2:
        clean_downloads()
        print("Done")

While this isn't too bad for a small amount of functions, once I get into double digits it will get messy and inefficient. Is there a better and more efficient way to do this?

Use a dictionary: `functions = {1: instagram_downloader, 2: clean_downloads}` and then `functions[action]()`. — kaya3, Feb 09 '20 at 03:50
Related: [Replacements for switch statement in Python?](https://stackoverflow.com/q/60208/4518341) — wjandrea, Feb 09 '20 at 03:56

score 0 · Accepted Answer · answered Feb 09 '20 at 03:53

0

Yes, use a dict. That's Python's equivalent of a case/switch-statement in other languages.

functions = {1: instagram_downloader, 2: clean_downloads}
function = functions[action]
function()

answered Feb 09 '20 at 03:53

wjandrea

28,235
9
60
81

More efficient way to choose a function

1 Answers1