How Does Python's `random.shuffle` Function Work, and Why Does It Return `None`?

Shuffling a List: Clarifying the Use of random.shuffle

While attempting to shuffle a list of objects, you may encounter difficulties if using the random.shuffle method directly. Instead of returning the shuffled list, it operates in place and returns None.

To illustrate the correct usage, consider the following example:

from random import shuffle

my_list = [object(), object()]
shuffle(my_list)

print(my_list)  # Output: [<object>, <object>] (in a random order)

Remember that shuffle mutates the original list rather than generating a new one. The None return value is expected for mutable objects that are modified by functions in Python.

Therefore, when shuffling a list of objects, use random.shuffle with the appropriate syntax and be aware of its in-place nature and None return value.

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