Chapter 2.6, Problem 18CP

Program Plan Intro

 “input” function:

In Python, the function which is used to read the input from a keyboard is “input()”.

• • This function reads a piece of input data from a user and returns that piece of data as a string to a program.
• • The “input” function is normally used for assigning the statement.

Reading numbers with the “input” function:

• • The “input” function always returns the input data as a string, even-though if the user enters the numeric data.
• • This can be a problem when the user wants to use the value in math operation, because the math operations can be performed only for numeric values, not for strings.
• • Python has built-in functions such as “int” and “float” which can be used to convert a string to a numeric data type.

Syntax:

The syntax for “input()” statement is as follows:

variable_name = datatype (input (prompt))

Example:

Consider the example of “input” function as follows:

value = int (input ('Enter the age: '))

Explanation:

Here, the statement “'Enter the age: '” is displayed on the output screen.

• • The user must enter the input data from the keyboard and finally press the Enter key.
• • After the Enter key is pressed, the “int” function is used to convert the input data into integer datatype and return to the program.
• • Finally, store it in a variable “value”.