What does eval in Python do

Question

In the book that I am reading on Python, it keeps using the code eval(input('blah'))

I read the documentation, and I understand it, but I still do not see how it changes the input()function.

What does it do? Can someone explain?

Answer 1

The eval function lets a Python program run Python code within itself.

eval example (interactive shell):

>>> x = 1
>>> eval('x + 1')
2
>>> eval('x')
1