Reverse list of last names

This a problem set for you to work through

This is a problem set. Some of these are easy, others are far more difficult. The purpose of these problems sets are:

1. to build your skill applying computational thinking to a problem
2. to assess your knowledge and skills of different programming practices

What is this problem set trying to do

In this example we are learning about lists, loops, conditionals, and processing user input.

The Problem

You are given a list of names in a list. The list will only have one first name and one last name. You must construct a program to process the names so they are in reverse order by last name. YOU WILL NOT BE GIVEN AN ALPHABETICAL LIST!

for example:

names = ["Bill MacKenty", "Joe Shmoe", "Jan Kowalski", "Max Haltre"]

# the output should be: 

Joe Shmoe,  Bill MacKenty, Jan Kowalski, Max Haltre

How you will be assessed

Your solution will be graded using the following axis:

Scope

• To what extent does your code implement the features required by our specification?
• To what extent is there evidence of effort?

Correctness

• To what extent did your code meet specifications?
• To what extent did your code meet unit tests?
• To what extent is your code free of bugs?

Design

• To what extent is your code written well (i.e. clearly, efficiently, elegantly, and/or logically)?
• To what extent is your code eliminating repetition?
• To what extent is your code using functions appropriately?

Style

• To what extent is your code readable?
• To what extent is your code commented?
• To what extent are your variables well named?
• To what extent do you adhere to style guide?

A possible solution

Click the expand link to see one possible solution, but NOT before you have tried and failed!

# This code is used with consent from Daniel, who gave this to us on 25 September 2019

names = ["Bill MacKenty", "Joe Shmoe", "Jan Kowalski", "Max Zaltre"]

alphabet = "ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ"

for name in names:
    first_letter_name = name.split(" ")[1][0]
    first_letter_names = names[0].split(" ")[1][0]
    if(alphabet.index(first_letter_name) > alphabet.index(first_letter_names)):
        current_name = name
        del names[names.index(name)]
        names.insert(0, current_name)
print(names)

Give a sequence of brief answers with no explanation.

Develop information in a diagrammatic or logical form.

Consider the merits or otherwise of an argument or concept. Opinions and conclusions should be presented clearly and supported with appropriate evidence and sound argument.

Produce a plan, simulation or model.