Converts Roman Numerals up to 50

roman_converter.py

new_ref = {
    'I': 1,
    'V': 5,
    'X': 10,
    'L': 50
}

def convert_roman(roman_numeral):
    val = 0
    skip_next = False

    for letter in roman_numeral:
        if skip_next:
            skip_next = False
            continue

        current_idx = roman_numeral.index(letter)
        if current_idx+1 < len(roman_numeral):
            next_letter = roman_numeral[current_idx + 1]
        else:
            next_letter = ''
        
        # If 'I' precedes one of the other letters
        # decrement by 1, then add to value;
        # then set the skip flag
        if letter == 'I' and next_letter in ['V', 'X']:
            val += (new_ref[next_letter] - 1)
            skip_next = True
        
        # If 'X' precedes 'L' subtract 10 from 50
        # then add to value;
        # then set the skip flag
        elif letter == 'X' and next_letter in ['L']:
            val += (new_ref[next_letter] - new_ref[letter])
            skip_next = True
        else:
            val += new_ref[letter]

    return val