Workshop › Hangman › Step 5 of 36

Pick a random word

What we are doing

Each game needs one secret word. newWord picks a random item of WORDS and keeps it in word.

```js
let word

function newWord() {
  word = WORDS[Math.floor(Math.random() * WORDS.length)]
}

newWord()
draw()
```

What it means

• let word makes a variable whose value can change. It is empty (undefined) until newWord fills it.
• WORDS.length is the number of words (50). WORDS[0] is the first word, WORDS[49] the last.
• Math.random() gives a random number from 0 up to (not including) 1. Times 50, it is from 0 up to 50.
• Math.floor rounds down, so the index is a whole number from 0 to 49.
• newWord() is called once at the start, before draw().

Your turn

1. Under the list's closing ], leave an empty line and write let word and the newWord function.
2. At the bottom, write newWord() above draw(). Press Run.

Skills: Arrays and objects, Functions

← A function that draws Write the word →

All steps

1. A list of secret words
2. The canvas and the pen
3. Paint the paper
4. A function that draws
5. Pick a random word
6. Write the word
7. Hide it behind blanks
8. Remember the guesses
9. Draw again and again
10. A guess
11. Guess with the keyboard
12. Only letters count
13. Count the misses
14. The same letter twice is free
15. Six misses at most
16. Show the misses
17. List the wrong letters
18. Draw a line
19. The gallows
20. The first miss: a head
21. Body, arms and legs
22. The parts in a list
23. Losing
24. Winning
25. Show the word you missed
26. The end message
27. Play again
28. Never the same word twice
29. A winning streak
30. Remember the best streak
31. Where each key goes
32. Draw the keys
33. Center the last row
34. Keys that remember
35. Tap a key
36. Build it yourself: a hint button