making change project

0x08-making_change/0-making_change.py

@@ -0,0 +1,31 @@
+#!/usr/bin/python3
+"""Change comes from within"""
+
+
+def makeChange(coins, total):
+    """Given a pile of coins of different values, determine the fewest
+    number of coins needed to meet a given amount total.
+
+    Arguments:
+        coins {list} -- List of the values of the coins in your possession
+        total {int} -- Total to reach
+
+    Returns:
+        [int] -- Fewest number of coins needed to meet total
+        0 if total is 0 or less
+        -1 if total cannot be met by any number of coins you have
+    """
+    if total <= 0:
+        return 0
+
+    coins.sort(reverse=True)
+    num_coins = 0
+    for coin in coins:
+        if total <= 0:
+            break
+        num_coins += total // coin
+        total = total % coin
+
+    if total > 0:
+        return -1
+    return num_coins