How to Input a Command for a Number in Python

Python is a free, object-oriented programming language you can use to create dynamic applications. When programming in Python, you may need to ask users for their input to a question, such as their age for example. In Python, you prompt a user for a numeric value using the raw_input function.

Instructions

1. Open your Python editor.

2. Set a variable to prompt the user for a number. For example, type:

   var = raw_input ("Please enter a number: ")

   The "raw_input" function saves the value as a string.

3. Change the string variable to a numeric value. To convert the string to an integer, type:

   int(var)

   To convert the string to a floating point decimal, type:

   float(var)

4. Print the user's response by typing:

   print "You entered ", var

5. Save your program.

   In the example above, Python first prompts the user "Please enter a number: ". The program waits for the user to enter data. Then, Python converts the number from a string into either an integer or a floating point decimal. Finally, Python prints "You entered " and prints the number to the screen.

Tips & Warnings

• For user-inputted data, always use the raw_input function instead of "input". "Raw_input" saves the user's data as a string. "Input" allows the user to enter any type of data and even call an executable file or perform a database query. For security purposes, use "raw_input" to limit access to your system.

References

• Python v. 2.7.2 Documentation: Collections - Built-in Functions