Basic Input/Output in Python

Python provides simple and intuitive functions for handling input and output operations. The most commonly used functions are print() for output and input() for user input. This article explains their usage with examples.

1. Output Using print()

The print() function is used to display messages or data on the screen. It supports displaying strings, numbers, and other objects.

          
            # Example 1: Printing a message
            print("Hello, World!")
          
        

Output:

          Hello, World!
        

You can also print multiple values separated by commas:

          
            # Example 2: Printing multiple values
            name = "Alice"
            age = 25
            print("Name:", name, "Age:", age)
          
        

Output:

          Name: Alice Age: 25
        

2. Input Using input()

The input() function is used to get input from the user. The function returns the input as a string.

          
            # Example 3: Taking input from the user
            name = input("Enter your name: ")
            print("Hello,", name)
          
        

If the user enters "Bob", the output will be:

          Enter your name: Bob
          Hello, Bob
        

Converting Input to Other Data Types

Since input() returns a string, you may need to convert it to other data types for calculations or further processing.

          
            # Example 4: Converting input to integer
            age = input("Enter your age: ")
            age = int(age)  # Convert string to integer
            print("Next year, you will be", age + 1, "years old.")
          
        

If the user enters "25", the output will be:

          Enter your age: 25
          Next year, you will be 26 years old.
        

3. Using print() for Formatted Output

Python allows formatted output using f-strings or the format() method.

Using f-strings:

          
            # Example 5: f-strings for formatted output
            name = "Alice"
            age = 25
            print(f"Name: {name}, Age: {age}")
          
        

Output:

          Name: Alice, Age: 25
        

Using format():

          
            # Example 6: Using the format() method
            name = "Bob"
            age = 30
            print("Name: {}, Age: {}".format(name, age))
          
        

Output:

          Name: Bob, Age: 30
        

4. Combining print() and input()

You can combine both functions to create interactive programs.

          
            # Example 7: Interactive program
            name = input("What is your name? ")
            age = int(input("How old are you? "))
            print(f"Hello, {name}! You are {age} years old.")
          
        

If the user enters "Charlie" and "20", the output will be:

          What is your name? Charlie
          How old are you? 20
          Hello, Charlie! You are 20 years old.
        

Conclusion

The print() and input() functions are fundamental tools for creating interactive Python programs. While print() helps display output, input() allows users to provide data to the program. Understanding these functions is essential for Python beginners.