In this source code example, we will demonstrate how to read input from a console or user in Python.

The input function reads a line from the input, converts it to a string (stripping a trailing newline), and returns that. The function takes an optional argument, which is written to standard output without a trailing newline if present.

Python reading input example

The following Python example prints a prompt and reads a first name, last name, and age from the console. Then it prints all information to the console.

Create a read_input.py file and add the following content to it:

#!/usr/bin/env python

firstName = input("Enter your first name:")
lastName = input("Enter your last name:")
age = input("Enter your age:")
print("First name -> ", firstName)
print("Last name -> ", lastName)
print("Age -> ", age)

Output:

$ ./read_input.py 
Enter your first name:John
Enter your last name:Cena
Enter your age:35
First name ->  John
Last name ->  Cena
Age ->  35