How do I use raw_input in Python 3?

In Python 2, raw_input() was the function used to accept user input from the command line, returning it as a string. However, Python 3 removes raw_input() in favor of a single input() function that behaves much like raw_input() did in Python 2.

1. Direct Replacement

• If your Python 2 code has raw_input(), simply replace it with input() when migrating to Python 3.
• In Python 3, input() returns user input as a string without evaluating it (just like raw_input() did in Python 2).

2. Example of Using input() in Python 3

user_input = input("Enter your name: ")
print(f"Hello, {user_input}!")

• This code prompts the user to enter their name and then prints a greeting.

3. Why Did Python 3 Remove raw_input()?

• In Python 2, raw_input() returned a string, while input() tried to evaluate the user input as Python code—which could be both confusing and insecure in many cases.
• Python 3 simplifies things by making input() always return a string, combining both functionalities into a single, safer function.

4. Compatibility Tips

If you’re maintaining a codebase that needs to run in both Python 2 and 3, you can handle the renaming with a small compatibility block:

try:
    input = raw_input
except NameError:
    pass

This snippet rebinds input to raw_input in Python 2, while leaving Python 3 behavior unchanged.

5. Further Learning

If you want to improve your Python skills beyond basic I/O operations, consider these courses from DesignGurus.io:

• Grokking Python Fundamentals: Ideal for beginners who want a solid grounding in Python’s core features and best practices.
• Grokking the Coding Interview: Patterns for Coding Questions: Perfect if you’re preparing for coding interviews; learn problem-solving patterns and how to effectively use Python.

Key Takeaway

There is no raw_input() in Python 3. Use input() instead.