input function in Python

What is input() in Python? The input() function is used to take input from the user during program execution. It always returns the user input as a string.

Basic Syntax input(prompt)

The function has the following parameter:
• prompt (Optional) A message that appears on the screen to tell the user what to enter.

Return Value: • Always returns a string (str).

Example: Simple Input.

Python

# Taking user input
name = input("Enter your name: ")

# Displaying the input
print("Hello,", name) 

Output: Enter your name: Ashish
Hello, Ashish

Explanation:

• The text inside input() ("Enter your name: ") is shown to the user.
• The user types something (e.g., Ashish).
• That value is stored in the variable name as a string.

Example: Input as a Number. By default, input() returns a string, so if we want a numeric value, you must convert it using int() or float() functions.

Python

# Taking numeric input
age = int(input("Enter your age: "))

# Using the numeric value
print("Next year you will be:", age + 1) 

Output: Enter your age: 25
Next year you will be: 26

Explanation:

• input() gives "25" (a string).
• int() converts it to an integer → 25.
• Then arithmetic operations like + 1 work correctly.

Example: Input Without Prompt If we don’t give any message inside input(), it just waits for user input.

Python

data = input()
print("You entered:", data)