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
Answer from BYS2 on Stack Overflow
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W3Schools
w3schools.com › python › ref_func_eval.asp
Python eval() Function
Python Examples Python Compiler ... Python Interview Q&A Python Bootcamp Python Training ... The eval() function evaluates the specified expression, if the expression is a legal Python statement, it will be executed...
Discussions

How to use the eval() function
Don't. You never need it, but you certainly don't need it here. Describe what you're trying to achieve here, what specific rule one should follow to get from the string to the desired list. More on reddit.com
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September 6, 2024
Valid uses of eval()?
Writing a REPL is one. This includes tools like IPython remote core and Jupyter Notebook. The werkzeug debugger allows you to run arbitrary code to inspect stack traces. More on reddit.com
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Demo of how input() is security probem in Python 2.7 (4min)
Demo of how writing insecure code is a security problem. More on reddit.com
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March 15, 2018
eval python - beginner
Eval can also work on code objects (for that read the eval() documentation . What eval does is evaluate the code in the string in the context (global and local scope) it is used. So it recognizes the x in your string as the variable x, the + as the plus-operator and the '1' as the integer value 1. Then it executes or evaluates this findings. All this is also explained in the documentation linked above. Or am I missing what you are asking? More on reddit.com
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January 7, 2016
People also ask

Does eval() work with Python 2 vs Python 3 differently?
The function itself works similarly, but Python 2 had a dangerous input() behavior. In Python 2, input() was equivalent to eval(raw_input()), automatically evaluating whatever the user typed. Python 3 fixed this. input() now returns a plain string. You must explicitly call eval() to evaluate it. If you maintain Python 2 code (which you should migrate), use raw_input() instead of input() to avoid unintended code execution.
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leanware.co
leanware.co › insights › how-to-use-eval-in-python
How to Use eval() in Python with Examples & Best Practices
What is the performance impact of eval() vs native Python code?
eval() is slower than native code. Each call parses the string, compiles it to bytecode, and then executes. Native code skips the parsing and compilation steps. For a single evaluation, the difference is negligible. But calling eval() in a loop adds measurable overhead.
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leanware.co
leanware.co › insights › how-to-use-eval-in-python
How to Use eval() in Python with Examples & Best Practices
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GeeksforGeeks
geeksforgeeks.org › python › eval-in-python
eval in Python - GeeksforGeeks
July 23, 2025 - Python eval function comes with the facility of explicitly passing a list of functions or variables that it can access. We need to pass it as an argument in the form of a dictionary. ... from math import * def secret_function(): return "Secret key is 1234" def function_creator(): # expression to be evaluated expr = input("Enter the function(in terms of x):") # variable used in expression x = int(input("Enter the value of x:")) # passing variable x in safe dictionary safe_dict['x'] = x # evaluating expression y = eval(expr, {}, safe_dict) # printing evaluated result print("y = {}".format(y)) if
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Great Learning
mygreatlearning.com › blog › it/software development › eval() function in python
Learn eval() Function in Python
June 11, 2025 - The eval() function sees x and y from the surrounding code and uses their values. Using eval() to calculate mathematical formulas from text is a great way to build tools that work like Excel calculators. However, even simple math in Python relies on a solid grasp of how numbers and strings interact.
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Real Python
realpython.com › python-eval-function
Python eval(): Evaluate Expressions Dynamically – Real Python
October 21, 2023 - The signature of Python’s eval() is defined as follows: ... The function takes a first argument, called expression, which holds the expression that you need to evaluate. eval() also takes two optional arguments: ... In the next three sections, you’ll learn what these arguments are and how eval() uses them to evaluate Python expressions on the fly.
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Udacity
udacity.com › blog › 2023 › 03 › pythons-eval-the-most-powerful-function-you-should-never-use.html
Python’s eval(): the most powerful function you should never use. | Udacity
March 22, 2023 - Back Python’s eval(): the most powerful function you should never use. ... eval() is a simple and powerful function built into Python’s interpreter. As the name implies, the function *evaluates* whatever expression is passed to it.
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Codecademy
codecademy.com › docs › python › built-in functions › eval()
Python | Built-in Functions | eval() | Codecademy
July 11, 2025 - This powerful function parses a string containing a Python expression, compiles it into bytecode, and then evaluates it as if it were written directly in the code. The eval() function is commonly used in scenarios where there is a need to evaluate mathematical expressions from user input, create dynamic code execution systems, or process expressions stored as strings.
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Programiz
programiz.com › python-programming › methods › built-in › eval
Python eval()
Dictionary is the standard and commonly used mapping type in Python. The use of globals and locals will be discussed later in this article. The eval() method returns the result evaluated from the expression. ... Here, the eval() function evaluates the expression x + 1 and print() is used to ...
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Python Geeks
pythongeeks.org › python geeks › learn python › python eval() function with examples
Python eval() Function with Examples - Python Geeks
October 30, 2021 - Though this function is rarely used due to its vulnerabilities, it has its applications which include: 1. Allowing the user to give their scriptlets that can be used for customizing the complex systems. 2. Evaluating mathematical expressions more easily compared to writing an expression parser. Q1. Write a program to print the result of 4 to the power of 3 using the eval function. Ans. Below is the example of Python eval():
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Leanware
leanware.co › insights › how-to-use-eval-in-python
How to Use eval() in Python with Examples & Best Practices
Automated Trading Platform Dev for Algorithmic Trading Co
This makes it useful for dynamic expression evaluation, but also dangerous if you pass untrusted input.Most Python developers encounter eval() when building calculators, processing configuration files, or working with dynamic code generation. The function does exactly what it promises, which is ... Leanware has a good working process and iterates on the product quickly, adapting to the client’s methodologies. The team is accommodating with the timeline and communicates effectively through thrice-weekly phone calls, Slack, and reports. Their flexibility has made them an excellent partner. Learn
Rating: 5 ​
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DataFlair
data-flair.training › blogs › python-eval-function
Python eval Function - Examples & Uses - DataFlair
August 27, 2018 - In this eval function in Python example, we initialize x to 7. We then pass a string to eval that, we expect, will square the value of x and stuff it into x. We see that it works fine. eval in Python evaluates the expression x**2 to get to the value 49 and then prints it. Now, let’s try another Python eval() example. ... This converts the string to the list [2,3,4] and returns the value at position 1, that is, 3.However, eval() in Python does not compile, only evaluates:
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Towards Data Science
towardsdatascience.com › home › latest › python eval() built-in-function
Python eval() built-in-function | Towards Data Science
January 20, 2025 - In simple words, the eval function evaluates the "String" like a python expression and returns the result as an integer. The syntax of the eval function is as shown below:
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ThePythonGuru
thepythonguru.com › python-builtin-functions › eval
Python eval() function - ThePythonGuru.com
The eval() allows us to execute arbitrary strings as Python code. It accepts a source string and returns an object.Its syntax is as follows:Syntax:ev…
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PrepBytes
prepbytes.com › home › python › python eval function
Python Eval Function
October 30, 2023 - The eval() function in Python is a built-in function that evaluates a string as a Python expression and returns the result.
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Tutorialspoint
tutorialspoint.com › python › python-eval-function.htm
Python eval() Function
The Python eval() function is a built-in function used to evaluate a string as a Python expression and return the result. It takes a string containing a valid Python expression as input, parses it, and execute the code, ultimately returning the
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Scaler
scaler.com › home › topics › eval() in python
eval() in Python - Scaler Topics
June 1, 2022 - This article by Scaler Topics discusses Eval() in python which is the function used to evaluate mathematical expressions, functions, etc.
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Shiksha
shiksha.com › home › it & software › it & software articles › programming articles › python eval: exploring the pros, cons, and best practices for safe and secure usage
Python Eval: Exploring the Pros, Cons, and Best Practices for Safe and Secure Usage - Shiksha Online
May 14, 2024 - Python eval is a built-in function that evaluates the specified expression (if the expression is a legal python statement) and returns the result. The eval() function takes a string as input and returns the result of the expression evaluated.
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Real Python
realpython.com › ref › builtin-functions › eval
eval() | Python’s Built-in Functions – Real Python
The built-in eval() function allows you to dynamically evaluate Python expressions from a string or compiled code object and returns the result of the evaluated expression: ... Note: If locals isn’t provided, then it defaults to globals.
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Toppr
toppr.com › guides › python-guide › references › methods-and-functions › methods › built-in › eval › python-eval
Python eval() | What is Python eval() function? | When is eval() used?
August 18, 2021 - Python eval() function is used to parse an expression as an argument and then execute it within the Python program. The Python eval() is a built-in function that allows us to evaluate the Python expression as a ‘string’ and return the value as an integer.
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Intellipaat
intellipaat.com › home › blog › python eval() function
Python eval() Function Explained with Examples and Safety Tips
October 7, 2025 - The Python eval function is a built-in utility that takes a string of Python code as input and executes it as real Python code. It is used to evaluate mathematical expressions that are written as strings and helps you to work with variables, also.