Question

Write a program that accepts a string from a user with the input function, chops that string into a series of tokens, sorts the tokens into ascending order, and prints them out.

Short answer

To create a program that takes a user input, breaks it into tokens, sorts them in ascending order, and displays them, use the following Python code: ```python user_input = input("Please enter a string: ") tokens = user_input.split() tokens.sort() print("Sorted tokens:") for token in tokens: print(token) ``` This script uses the `input()` function to get the user input, the `split()` method to create a list of tokens, the `sort()` method to sort the tokens, and a loop to display the sorted tokens.

Step-by-step solution

Accept input from the user

To get the input from the user, use the `input()` function in Python. The user will enter a string, and it will be stored in a variable for further processing. For example: ```python user_input = input("Please enter a string: ") ```

Break the string into tokens

To break the given string into tokens, the `split()` method can be used. By default, this method splits a string based on whitespace, thus giving us a list of tokens. For example: ```python tokens = user_input.split() ```

Sort the tokens in ascending order

To sort the list of tokens in ascending order, use the `sort()` method for lists. This method modifies the original list and does not return a new sorted list. For example: ```python tokens.sort() ```

Display the sorted tokens

Finally, to print the sorted tokens, use a loop to iterate through each token in the sorted list and print it. For example: ```python for token in tokens: print(token) ``` Now, here is the complete code for the given exercise: ```python # Step 1: Accept input from the user user_input = input("Please enter a string: ") # Step 2: Break the string into tokens tokens = user_input.split() # Step 3: Sort the tokens in ascending order tokens.sort() # Step 4: Display the sorted tokens print("Sorted tokens:") for token in tokens: print(token) ```

Key concepts

User Input Function

In Python programming, accepting input from a user is a straightforward process due to the `input()` function. This function prompts the user to enter data, capturing it as a string. For instance, if you ask the user to type their name, the `input()` function takes that input and stores it in a variable. Here is a quick example:
```python name = input("Enter your name: ") ```

• The `input()` function displays a prompt message ("Enter your name:" in this case) and waits for the user's response.
• The user's response is captured as a string and assigned to the variable `name`.
• This interaction allows programs to be more dynamic and interactive.

When using `input()`, remember that the data type of the returned value is always a string, regardless of what the user types. If you need another data type, such as an integer or a float, you will have to convert it using the `int()` or `float()` functions, respectively.

String Manipulation

String manipulation is a critical concept in Python programming. It involves altering, parsing, or analyzing strings to fit specific use cases. One essential method for string manipulation is `split()`. This method breaks a string into a list of words, or tokens, based on a specified delimiter. By default, `split()` uses spaces as the delimiter.
```python sentence = "Hello world" words = sentence.split() ```

• In the example above, the string `"Hello world"` is split into a list of words: `['Hello', 'world']`.
• The `split()` method is useful for processing text inputs where word separation is needed, such as commands or sentences.

String manipulation also includes joining, slicing, and searching within strings, expanding your ability to handle text efficiently. Whether you’re preparing data for analysis or formatting output, mastering string manipulation is crucial for effective Python scripting.

Sorting Algorithms

Sorting algorithms are essential in computer science for arranging data in a particular order. In Python, sorting lists is often achieved using the `sort()` method, which efficiently organizes list elements. This method sorts the list in place, meaning that it doesn't create a new list but rather alters the original one.
```python numbers = [5, 2, 9, 1] numbers.sort() ```

• In the code snippet, the list `numbers` is transformed into `[1, 2, 5, 9]`, showcasing the default ascending order sorting.
• The `sort()` method can be customized with parameters like `reverse=True` to sort in descending order.

Understanding sorting algorithms goes beyond just using built-in methods. For deeper insight, you can explore classic algorithms like Bubble Sort, Merge Sort, and Quick Sort. Each has its own use case, efficiency, and complexity, making them essential knowledge for algorithm design and optimization.