sample.py

valid = some_method_to_set_valid()
status = error_message_from_valid_flag(valid)

def error_message_from_valid_flag(valid)
  if valid == 1:
    return "VALIDATED"
  elif valid == 0:
    return "INVALID"
  elif valid == -1:
    return "UNINITIALIZED_ERROR"
  else:
    return "UNKNOWN_ERROR"