how to fix python syntaxerror cannot assign to function call

## How to Fix "SyntaxError: cannot assign to function call" in Python

The "SyntaxError: cannot assign to function call" error in Python is a common issue, especially for beginners. It arises when you try to assign a value to the *result* of a function call, which is not allowed. In simpler terms, you're trying to change the output of a function execution as if it were a variable, and that's fundamentally incorrect in Python's syntax.

Let's break down why this error occurs, how to identify it, and, most importantly, how to fix it with numerous examples.

**Understanding the Error**

In Python, when you call a function (e.g., `my_function()`), it performs its task and may return a value. This returned value is typically used for calculations, comparisons, or to be assigned to a variable. You *cannot* directly modify the *output* of a function call after it's already executed. The assignment operator (`=`) is intended to assign values to variables, not to the result of an expression that has already been evaluated.

**Common Scenarios Where This Error Occurs**

1. **Accidental Assignment to Function Call Result:**



**Explanation:** Here, `get_age()` is called, it returns `25`, and then you're trying to set that returned value to `30`. Python interprets this as attempting to assign `30` to the *result* of the `get_age()` call, which is illegal.

2. **Mixing Up Comparison and Assignment:**



**Explanation:** The `if` statement should use the equality operator `==` for comparison, not the assignment operator `=`. Accidentally using `=` attempts to assign `True` to the result of `is_valid(x)`, leading to the error. Even in the first technically correct example, the use of `== True` is not considered Pythonic and can be simplified.

3. **Trying to Modify a String or Tuple Returned by a Function:**



**Explanation:** Strings (and tuples) are immutable in Python. While you might think you are accessing the first character of the string returned ...

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