pythonOtherEasy

Name splitter crashes on a middle name

Time: 0:00

BugFind the bug and fix the code

What it should do

first_and_last(full_name) returns the first and last name. Example: first_and_last("Mary Ann Smith") → ["Mary", "Smith"].

What happens instead

first_and_last("Mary Ann Smith") crashes: ValueError: too many values to unpack (expected 2, got 3).

def first_and_last(full_name):
    first, last = full_name.split(" ")
    return [first, last]

Test a custom input to verify an edge case (e.g. empty lists, negative numbers, duplicates).

⏱️0:00

Hints

🏆 0 hints = Flawless Solve

Hint 2

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Hint 3

Unlocks after Hint 2

This bug belongs to the mutation and copying bugs pattern

Assignment does not copy, a shallow copy still shares its contents, and mutating methods return None.

Learn the mutation and copying bugs pattern Step through your own code

Spoiler: why this bug happens(try it first; the hints get warmer one at a time)

What went wrong: "Mary Ann Smith" splits into 3 pieces, but first, last can only hold 2.

The fix: parts = full_name.split() then return [parts[0], parts[-1]]

Remember: real names often have more parts than your example.

The pattern behind it: mutation and copying bugs.

More mutation and copying bugs to practise

Seen this error in your own code?

ValueError: too many values to unpack (expected 2)

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