Do I have to cause an ValueError in Python

Question

I have this code:

chars = #some list

try:
    indx = chars.index(chars)
except ValueError:
    #doSomething
else:
   #doSomethingElse

I want to be able to do this because I don't like knowfully causing Exceptions:

chars = #some list

indx = chars.index(chars)

if indx == -1:
    #doSomething
else:
   #doSomethingElse

Is there a way I can do this?

Answer 1

Note that the latter approach is going against the generally accepted "pythonic" philosophy of EAFP, or "It is Easier to Ask for Forgiveness than Permission.", while the former follows it.

Answer 2

if element in mylist:
    index = mylist.index(element)
    # ... do something
else:
    # ... do something else