How do you handle user input as strings in Python 2.7 without encountering quotation mark errors?

Overcoming Quotation Conundrum in Python 2.7 User Input Handling

When retrieving user input in Python 2.7, the conventional approach involves employing the 'input()' function. However, this method automatically interprets user input as Python code, necessitating the inclusion of quotation marks around input values. For example, if the user enters 'Hello' without quotations, the program will mistake it for a variable name, resulting in a 'NameError' exception.

Fortunately, there's a simple solution to this dilemma. By leveraging the 'raw_input()' function, you can retrieve user input as a raw string, devoid of quotation marks. This distinction becomes crucial when you intend to manipulate the input as a string rather than evaluating it as code.

To utilize 'raw_input()', simply replace 'input()' in your code:

<code class="python">testVar = raw_input("Ask user for something.")</code>

By employing 'raw_input()', the user's unquoted input, such as 'Hello', will be assigned directly to the 'testVar' variable, enabling you to manipulate it as a string without quotation marks.

Remember, while 'raw_input()' provides a quick fix, it's imperative to note that this method has been deprecated in Python 3. As a more robust alternative, consider using the 'input()' function with the 'str()' constructor to explicitly cast the input to a string:

<code class="python">testVar = str(input("Ask user for something."))</code>

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