How to Take User Input in Python – A Complete Guide for Beginners

Python makes it easy to interact with users by taking input directly from the keyboard. Whether you’re building a simple calculator, a login system, or a data processing tool, understanding how to handle user input is essential.

In this tutorial, we’ll cover:
✅ How the input() function works
✅ Storing user input in variables
✅ Type conversion (string to int, float, boolean)
✅ Practical examples for better understanding

1. How the input() Function Works

The input() function in Python allows users to enter data from the keyboard. By default, it always returns a string, even if the user enters a number.

Basic Syntax:

user_input = input("Enter something: ")
print(user_input)

Example:

name = input("Enter your name: ")
print("Hello, " + name)

Output:

Enter your name: Yogendra  
Hello, Yogendra

2. Storing User Input in Variables

Since input() returns a string, we can store it in a variable for later use.

Example:

age = input("Enter your age: ")
print("Your age is:", age)

Output:

Enter your age: 25  
Your age is: 25 

⚠️ Note: Even if you enter a number, input() treats it as a string.

3. Converting Input to Different Data Types

Since input() always gives a string, we often need to convert it to other data types like integers, floats, or booleans.

A. Converting to Integer (int())

num = input("Enter a number: ")  # Returns string
converted_num = int(num)         # Converts to integer
print(converted_num + 10)        # Now we can do math

Output:

Enter a number: 5  
15

❌ Error Case:
If the user enters a non-number (e.g., “five”), Python will raise a ValueError.

✅ Solution: Use error handling (try-except) in real applications.

B. Converting to Float (float())

price = float(input("Enter price: "))
print("Total with tax:", price * 1.18)  # Adds 18% tax

C. Converting to Boolean (bool())

answer = bool(input("Enter True/False: "))  
print(answer)  # Empty input = False, any input = True

4. Practical Example: Adding Two Numbers

Let’s create a program that takes two numbers from the user and adds them.

Code:

num1 = int(input("Enter first number: "))  
num2 = int(input("Enter second number: "))  
sum = num1 + num2  
print("Sum:", sum)

Output:

Enter first number: 10  
Enter second number: 20  
Sum: 30

5. Taking Multiple Inputs in One Line

You can use split() to take multiple inputs at once.

Example:

x, y = input("Enter two numbers (separated by space): ").split()  
x = int(x)  
y = int(y)  
print("Product:", x * y) 

Output:

Enter two numbers (separated by space): 5 4  
Product: 20 

6. Best Practices for User Input

✔ Always validate input (check if it’s a number, etc.)
✔ Use clear prompts (e.g., “Enter age (numbers only): “)
✔ Handle errors (try-except blocks for invalid inputs)

Conclusion

Mastering input() in Python is crucial for building interactive programs. Remember:
🔹 input() always returns a string.
🔹 Use int(), float(), or bool() for conversions.
🔹 Handle errors to make your programs robust.

Next Steps:

• Learn about conditional statements (if-else) to validate input.
• Explore loops (while, for) for repeated input prompts.

This blog complements the video tutorial, providing a written reference for better understanding. Happy coding! 🐍💻