python tips

[size=x-large]How to create an enum in Python?[/size]
Use a function that dynamically creates a new class

def enum(**enums):
    return type('Enum', (object,), enums)

Numbers = enum(ONE=1, TWO=2, THREE=3)

assert Numbers.ONE == 1
assert Numbers.TWO == 2
assert Numbers.THREE == 3

Using a class

class Numbers(object):
    ONE = 1
    TWO = 2
    THREE = 3

assert Numbers.ONE == 1
assert Numbers.TWO == 2
assert Numbers.THREE == 3

[size=x-large]How to test if a variable exists in Python?[/size]

try:
    print x
except NameError:
    x = 0

assert x == 0