Taking Input in Python Programming Language

Taking input from the user is a critical part of many programming projects. It is essential to understand how to take input from the user in Python to build efficient and effective programs. In this article, we will discuss the steps involved in taking input in Python.

Input

Step 1: Using the input() function

The input() function in Python is used to take input from the user. The function prompts the user to enter a value and returns the value as a string. Here is an example of using the input() function to take input from the user:

Example 1.1

name = input("Enter your name: ")
print("Hello " + name + "!")

Example 1.1 Output

In the above code, the input() function is used to prompt the user to enter their name. The input is stored in the variable “name,” and then the program prints a greeting message using the entered name.

Step 2: Converting the input into the desired data type

The input() function always returns a string, even if the user enters a number. Therefore, it is necessary to convert the input into the desired data type. The int(), float(), and bool() functions can be used to convert the input string into integers, floating-point numbers, and Boolean values, respectively.

Example 2.1

age = int(input("Enter your age: "))
print("You are " + str(age) + " years old.")

Example 2.1 Output

In the above code, the input() function is used to prompt the user to enter their age. The input is then converted into an integer using the int() function and stored in the variable “age.” The program then prints the age in a string format.

Step 3: Handling errors while taking input

When taking input from the user, it is essential to handle errors that can occur if the user enters an invalid input. For example, if the user is prompted to enter a number, they might enter a string, which can cause an error in the program.

Example 3.1

try:
  age = int(input("Enter your age: "))
  print("You are " + str(age) + " years old.")
except ValueError:
  print("Invalid input. Please enter a number.")

Example 3.1 Output

In the above code, the try block contains the code that prompts the user to enter their age and converts the input into an integer. If the user enters an invalid input, such as a string, the program will raise a ValueError. The except block catches the error and prints a message asking the user to enter a number.