Shuffle an array with python, randomize array item

Question

What's the easiest way to shuffle an array with python?

Answer 1

In addition to the previous replies, I would like to introduce another function.

numpy.random.shuffle as well as random.shuffle perform in-place shuffling. However, if you want to return a shuffled array numpy.random.permutation is the function to use.

Answer 2

The other answers are the easiest, however it's a bit annoying that the random.shuffle method doesn't actually return anything - it just sorts the given list. If you want to chain calls or just be able to declare a shuffled array in one line you can do:

    import random
    def my_shuffle(array):
        random.shuffle(array)
        return array

Then you can do lines like:

    for suit in my_shuffle(['hearts', 'spades', 'clubs', 'diamonds']):

Answer 3

import random
random.shuffle(array)

Answer 4

Just in case you want a new array you can use sample:

import random
new_array = random.sample( array, len(array) )