def learn(thing, max_time=0, max_attempts=1): while run_time < max_time: while attempts < max_attempts: attempts =+ 1 if do(thing)

def learn(thing, max_time=0, max_attempts=1): while run_time < max_time: while attempts < max_attempts: attempts =+ 1 if do(thing) = 0 break else learn(thing) Always set a time limit or a maximum number of attempts. Default to at least try (you may already know it). Edit: I don't write code very much, and certainly don't claim to earn my living on it.