import random as random_module def several_random(value, arg=1): "Returns one or more random item(s) from the list" try: arg = int(arg) except ValueError: return value if arg == 1: return random_module.choice(value) elif len(value) > arg: # Only pick if we are asked for fewer items than we are given return random_module.sample(value, arg) else: # Number requested is equal to or greater than the number we have, return them all in random order new_list = list(value) random_module.shuffle(new_list) return new_list