selection sort in python

Question

Here's a code for selection sort but it doesn't print the sorted list. How can I show it?

badlist = input("Enter list: ")  
def select(badlist):  
        l = list[:]  
        sorted = []  
        while len(l):  
            lowest == l[0]  
            for x in l:  
                if x < lowest:  
                    lowest = x  
            sorted.append(lowest)  
            l.remove(lowest)  
        return sorted  
select(badlist)  

Answer 1

Use print.

If you are using Python 2.x print is a keyword:

result = select(badlist)
print result

In Python 3.x print is a function and you must use parentheses:

result = select(badlist)
print(result)

You also have at least two other errors:

• Your function parameter is called badlist but you never use it.
• The == operator is equality comparison. You need = for assignment.

Also your algorithm will be very slow, requiring O(n²) operations.

Answer 2

if you type select(badlist) in Python shell is should show the result however if you're running your script as file you need to use print statement, as print select(badlist).

Answer 3

Expanding on my comment:

Why not simply use the builtin sorted(list) and then you can just have your whole code be:

print sorted(input("Enter list: "))