--- title: input() tags: - python - functions - input aliases: - input - input-function - user-input --- > [!note] Concept > The `input()` function waits for the user to type text and press `ENTER`, then returns it as a string. > > > [!example] Example > > ```python > > myName = input() > > ``` > > If the user types `Al`, the result is equivalent to: > > ```python > > myName = 'Al' > > ``` > > > [!important] Best Practices > > - Always assume `input()` returns a string — cast with `int()`, `float()`, etc. if needed. > > - Only use `input()` in Python 3. In Python 2, use `raw_input()` instead. > > > [!info] Related Notes > > [[typeConversions]] > > [[functions]] > > [[pythonSyntaxOverview]]