To wait for user input in Python, you use the input() function. This function pauses the program's execution until the user enters text and presses the Enter key. The entered text is then returned as a string.
How the input() Function Works
- Pauses Execution: When
input()is called, Python halts the current execution flow and waits for user interaction. - User Input: The user types text into the console or terminal.
- Enter Key: The process concludes when the user presses the Enter key.
- Returns String:
input()reads all the text the user entered and returns it as a string value.
Example
user_name = input("Please enter your name: ")
print("Hello, " + user_name + "!")In this example:
- The
input("Please enter your name: ")line displays "Please enter your name: " in the console and waits for the user to input text. - The user types their name and presses Enter.
- The entered name is assigned to the
user_namevariable as a string. - The program prints a greeting using the provided name.
No Prompt Argument
If you call input() without a prompt argument, the program will still wait for input, but there won't be any text shown to the user beforehand.
user_input = input() # No prompt
print("You entered: " + user_input)Key Takeaway
According to the reference, when you call the input() function, Python waits for the user to enter a line of text and press the Enter key. It then reads the line and returns it as a string. If you don't provide a prompt argument, the input() function will simply wait for the user to enter text.
