5 Best Ways to Check If Robbers Can Rob the Vault in Python

💡 Problem Formulation: The task is to determine whether robbers can successfully rob a vault given a set of conditions such as available tools, the complexity of the lock, and the time they have. For example, input parameters might include the skill level of the robbers (an integer), the difficulty of the vault’s lock (also an integer), and whether the robbers have a master key (a boolean value). The desired output would be a boolean indicating the success or failure of the heist.

Method 1: Simulate a Heist Attempt

This method involves creating a simulation of a heist based on given parameters of robber skill level, lock difficulty, and the presence of a master key. The function attempt_heist() will take these parameters and return a boolean value indicating success or failure.

Here’s an example:

def attempt_heist(skill_level, lock_difficulty, has_master_key):
    if has_master_key:
        return True
    return skill_level >= lock_difficulty

print(attempt_heist(5, 7, False))
print(attempt_heist(8, 7, False))
print(attempt_heist(5, 7, True))

Output:

False
True
True

This code snippet defines the function attempt_heist() which simulates a heist attempt. The outcome is straightforward: if the robbers have a master key, they succeed. Without it, their skill level must be equal to or exceed the lock’s difficulty. Simple condition checks result in a quick and clear determination.

Method 2: Evaluate with Random Factor

This method introduces an element of chance to represent the unpredictable nature of a vault heist. It adds randomness to the skill level or success criteria to simulate potential variables in a real-life scenario.

Here’s an example:

import random

def attempt_heist_random(skill_level, lock_difficulty, has_master_key):
    skill_with_randomness = skill_level + random.randint(-2, 2)
    return has_master_key or skill_with_randomness >= lock_difficulty

print(attempt_heist_random(5, 7, False))

Output:

Either: True or False (randomized)

The function attempt_heist_random() introduces a randomness element by modifying the skill level with a random integer within a range. This simulates factors such as luck or unforeseen complications. The robbery’s success now includes chance, making it a more dynamic simulation.

Method 3: Time-Constrained Heist

In this method, we simulate the scenario where robbers are under time constraints. The function attempt_heist_time() includes an additional ‘time’ parameter representing the available time to crack the vault before security measures kick in.

Here’s an example:

def attempt_heist_time(skill_level, lock_difficulty, has_master_key, time_allowed):
    return has_master_key or (time_allowed >= lock_difficulty and skill_level >= lock_difficulty)

print(attempt_heist_time(5, 7, False, 10))
print(attempt_heist_time(5, 7, False, 5))

Output:

True
False

Here, the function attempt_heist_time() takes into account both the skill level compared to the lock difficulty and the time available. The robbers must be skilled enough and have sufficient time to succeed without a master key.

Method 4: Collaborative Heist Strategy

This method adds the element of teamwork. The function attempt_collaborative_heist() considers the combined skill level of multiple robbers, potentially increasing the chance of a successful heist.

Here’s an example:

def attempt_collaborative_heist(skill_levels, lock_difficulty, has_master_key):
    total_skill = sum(skill_levels)
    return has_master_key or total_skill >= lock_difficulty

print(attempt_collaborative_heist([3, 4, 5], 10, False))

Output:

True

The function attempt_collaborative_heist() allows for a list of skill levels as input, representing multiple robbers. The combined skill levels increase the likelihood of overcoming the vault’s defenses, illustrating the advantage of teamwork in a heist.

Bonus One-Liner Method 5: Lambda Heist Check

Employing a concise one-liner using a lambda function, we can perform a quick check to see if a heist is possible. This method is best suited for simple, infrequent calculations where defining a full function is not necessary.

Here’s an example:

heist_check = lambda skill, difficulty, master_key: master_key or skill >= difficulty

print(heist_check(5, 7, False))

Output:

False

The lambda function heist_check is a concise and quick way to determine the success of a heist, given skill level, lock difficulty, and whether a master key is present.

Summary/Discussion

Method 1:

Method 2:

Method 3:

Method 4:

Bonus Method 5: