input()
- Python course
- Beginner
- Lesson 94/116
- 4 min
Learn to read a line with input().
Get input with input()
The input() function reads one line from the user and returns it as a string. It takes an optional message argument shown on screen:
name = input("Ad: ")
# Ad: Ayşe (user types)
print(name) # Ayşeinput() always returns a string — if you need a number you must convert it afterwards. An empty line returns an empty string "".
It is the basic tool for scripts that read data from the command line.
Message and empty input
The message passed to input() is shown to the user, then a line is read. If the user presses Enter without typing, an empty string is returned:
answer = input("Continue? ")
# user just presses Enter
print(repr(answer)) # ''The message argument can be omitted: input() just waits. The message tells the user what to enter; a good message improves input quality.
Use clear messages in interactive scripts.
Practice Greet with input
Assign input("Ad: ") to name. The user types Ayşe. Then print the greeting with print("Merhaba, " + name).
Starter code
# ask for a name with input
# then greetSample solution
name = input("Ad: ")
print("Merhaba, " + name)Expected output
Ad: Merhaba, Ayşe
Questions and answers
Review the lesson questions together with their answers. To test yourself, solve the lesson interactively.
1 What does input() return?
- A boolean
- An integer
- A list
- A string Correct answer
Explanation: input() always returns a string; for numbers you need int() or float().
2 Complete the input call
name = ____name = input("Ad: ")Explanation: input("Ad: ") shows the message and returns the entered line.
3 Match input concepts
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
input() |
Reads input |
message |
Shown to user |
"" |
Empty input result |
string |
Return type |