Question

Suppose that name is a variable of type string. Write the input statement to read and store the input Brenda Clinton in name. (Assume that the input is from the standard input device.)

Short answer

To store "Brenda Clinton" in `name`, use `name = input()` in Python.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Input Statement

In programming, an input statement is used to capture user input from a standard input device, usually the keyboard. In this problem, we will write a statement that reads a line of input and stores it in a variable.

Identify the Programming Language

Identify which programming language you are using because the syntax can vary. For this example, we will use Python as the programming language.

Write the Input Statement

Using Python, the input function is used to read input from the standard input device. The syntax is: `variable = input(prompt)`. For example, to read and store the input "Brenda Clinton" in the variable `name`, write: ```python name = input() ```.

Execute the Input Statement

When executed, this input statement will wait for the user to type a string and press enter. If the user types "Brenda Clinton" and presses enter, `name` will store "Brenda Clinton".

Confirm the Stored Value

You can print the variable `name` to confirm that it stored the correct value. By adding `print(name)`, you ensure the program outputs the stored value from the input statement.

Key concepts

Python Programming

Python is a versatile and beginner-friendly programming language. It is known for its easy-to-read syntax, which often resembles natural language. This makes Python an excellent choice for beginners who are learning programming concepts.
Python is widely used for web development, data analysis, artificial intelligence, scientific computing, and more. It is also a great tool for handling user inputs and outputs through its built-in functions.
Here are a few characteristics that make Python a popular choice for programming:

• Simple syntax: Python code is clean and easy to understand.
• Versatile: It can be used for various applications.
• Large community: A huge community means lots of resources for learning and troubleshooting.
• Cross-platform: Python programs can run on different operating systems without modification.

Standard Input Device

In programming, a 'standard input device' is a hardware device used to input data into a computer. The most common standard input device is the keyboard.
When a program requires data from a user, it often waits for input via the standard input device. This interaction is critical in programs that need user-driven data to function, like filling out forms or querying databases.
In Python, capturing this input is straightforward due to the built-in `input()` function, which directly reads from the standard input device:

• This function pauses the program until the user enters data and presses enter.
• Whatever the user types is returned as a string.
• The data can then be manipulated or stored for later use.

Variable Assignment

Variable assignment is a fundamental concept in any programming language, including Python. It involves storing a value or data into a variable, which is a named location in memory.
In Python, the assignment operation is simple. You use the `=` operator to assign a value to a variable.
For example: ```python name = "Brenda Clinton" ``` This line assigns the string "Brenda Clinton" to the variable named `name`. From this moment on, you can use this variable to refer to that value throughout the program.
A few key points on variable assignment in Python:

• Variables must be assigned before they can be used.
• Python is dynamically typed, meaning you do not need to declare the type of a variable explicitly.
• Variables can change type as needed; e.g., a variable can store an integer at one point and a string at another.

User Input Handling

User input handling is an essential part of creating interactive programs. It involves requesting, receiving, and using input from the user during the execution of the program.
In Python, this is typically done using the `input()` function. Here's a step-by-step approach to handling user input effectively:

• Use `input()` to capture the data input by the user. This function will display a prompt, if provided, or wait for the user to type their input and press enter.
• The input received is always of type string. If a different type is required (like integers or floats), you must cast it, for instance using `int()` or `float()`.
• Store the input in a variable for easy manipulation.

Here's a basic example of user input handling in a Python program: ```python name = input("Enter your name: ") print("Hello, " + name) ``` These mechanisms allow you to create programs that can adapt based on user input and become more dynamic and engaging.