How to get parameter values passed into a function as strings

Question

I have a function which takes 2 parameters, I would like to get the values passed into those two parameters as string. However, the function is stored in a separate module from where it's being used and ran.

In module x we have the function:

def meta_filter(table, orientation):
     #code code code 

In module y, the function is being used like this:

meta_filter(dataframe, left)

I would like to get the objects passed into the meta_filter as string.

'dataframe', 'left' 

I am doing this because it will save me from writing a lot of unnecessary code.

Answer 1

Use inspect to get parent frame's locals and then find that variables that point to the same objects:

import inspect

def meta_filter(table, orientation):
    names = [''] * 2
    frame = inspect.currentframe()
    try:
        for var, val in frame.f_back.f_locals.iteritems():
            if val is table:
                names[0] = var
            if val is orientation:
                names[1] = var

    finally:
        del frame

    print (names)

a = 10
b = 'abc'
meta_filter(a, b)

Output:

['a', 'b']

Answer 2

Maybe I am misunderstanding, but do you just want the class names. If so, why not:

>>> class DataFrame:
...     pass
... 
>>> class Left:
...     pass
... 
>>> dataframe = DataFrame()
>>> left = Left()
>>> 
>>> def meta_filter(table, orientation):
...     return table.__class__.__name__, orientation.__class__.__name__
... 
>>> meta_filter(dataframe, left)
('DataFrame', 'Left')

I suspect there is a better way of doing what you are trying to do though..

EDIT:

Oh, do you actually want the variable names, maybe anton's answer is better then