print() function basics in Python - Practice Problems & Coding Challenges

Challenge - 5 Problems

❓ Predict Output

intermediate

Output of print() with multiple arguments

What is the output of this Python code?

Python

print('Hello', 'World', 2024)

A Hello, World, 2024

B 'Hello' 'World' 2024

C Hello World 2024

D HelloWorld2024

💡 Hint

Remember that print() separates multiple arguments with spaces by default.

The print() function prints each argument separated by a space by default, so the output is 'Hello World 2024'.

❓ Predict Output

intermediate

Using print() with sep parameter

What will this code print?

Python

print('A', 'B', 'C', sep='-')

A A-B-C

B A B C

C ABC

D A, B, C

💡 Hint

The sep parameter changes the separator between printed items.

The sep='-' tells print() to put a dash between each argument instead of the default space.

❓ Predict Output

advanced

Effect of end parameter in print()

What is the output of this code?

Python

print('Line1', end='***')
print('Line2')

A Line1***Line2

B Line1 Line2

C

Line1
Line2

D Line1***\nLine2

💡 Hint

The end parameter replaces the default newline after print.

By default, print ends with a newline. Here, end='***' replaces it, so the next print continues on the same line after ***.

🧠 Conceptual

advanced

Understanding print() with flush parameter

What does the flush=True parameter do in the print() function?

A It delays the output until the program ends.

B It changes the separator between printed items.

C It adds a newline after the printed text.

D It forces the output to be written immediately to the screen or file.

💡 Hint

Think about when output appears on the screen.

flush=True forces Python to write the output immediately, useful when output is buffered and you want to see it right away.

❓ Predict Output

expert

Output of print() with complex expressions

What is the output of this code?

Python

print(f"Sum: {sum([i for i in range(3)])}", end='; ')
print('Done')

A Sum: 6; Done

B Sum: 3; Done

C

Sum: 3
Done

D

Sum: 6
Done

💡 Hint

Calculate the sum of numbers from 0 to 2 and watch the end parameter.

range(3) is 0,1,2; sum is 3. The end='; ' keeps the cursor on the same line with a semicolon and space before printing 'Done'.

Practice

1. What does the print() function do in Python?

easy

A. It displays messages or values on the screen.

B. It saves data to a file.

C. It reads input from the user.

D. It creates a new variable.

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand the purpose of print()

   The print() function is used to show messages or values on the screen, making it easy to see output from the program.

2. Step 2: Compare with other options

   Saving data, reading input, or creating variables are done by other functions, not print().

3. Final Answer:

   It displays messages or values on the screen. -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   print() shows output [OK]

Hint: Remember: print() means show on screen [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing print() with input()
• Thinking print() saves data
• Assuming print() creates variables

2. Which of the following is the correct way to print the words Hello and World separated by a space?

easy

A. print('Hello' 'World')

B. print('Hello' + 'World')

C. print('Hello', 'World')

D. print('Hello'; 'World')

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand how print separates items

   Using commas in print() separates items with spaces by default, so print('Hello', 'World') prints "Hello World".

2. Step 2: Check other options

   print('Hello' 'World') joins strings without space; print('Hello' + 'World') concatenates without space; print('Hello'; 'World') uses invalid syntax.

3. Final Answer:

   print('Hello', 'World') -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   Comma adds space in print() [OK]

Hint: Use commas to print multiple items with spaces [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Forgetting commas between items
• Using semicolon inside print()
• Concatenating without spaces

3. What will be the output of this code?

print('A', 'B', 'C', sep='-')

medium

A. A B C

B. A-B-C

C. ABC

D. A-B C

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand the sep parameter in print()

   The sep parameter changes the separator between printed items. Here, it is set to '-'.

2. Step 2: Apply sep to the items

   Items 'A', 'B', 'C' will be joined with '-' between them, resulting in 'A-B-C'.

3. Final Answer:

   A-B-C -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   sep='-' joins items with dash [OK]

Hint: sep changes space to your chosen separator [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Ignoring sep and expecting spaces
• Confusing sep with end
• Missing quotes around separator

4. The code below gives an error. What is the problem?

print('Hello' end='!')

medium

A. Missing comma between arguments

B. end parameter cannot be used

C. Quotes are incorrect

D. print() cannot print strings

Solution

1. Step 1: Check syntax of print() arguments

   Arguments in print() must be separated by commas. Here, 'Hello' and end='!' are missing a comma.

2. Step 2: Understand correct usage

   Correct syntax is print('Hello', end='!') with a comma separating the string and the keyword argument.

3. Final Answer:

   Missing comma between arguments -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Separate print args with commas [OK]

Hint: Separate print arguments with commas [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Forgetting commas between arguments
• Thinking end is not allowed
• Misplacing quotes

5. How can you print the numbers 1, 2, and 3 on the same line separated by commas, but end the line with a period instead of a newline?

hard

A. print(1, 2, 3, sep=',') print(end='.')

B. print(1, 2, 3, sep='.', end=',')

C. print(1, 2, 3, sep=', end='.')

D. print(1, 2, 3, sep=',', end='.')

Solution

1. Step 1: Use sep to set commas between numbers

   Setting sep=',' prints numbers separated by commas: '1,2,3'.

2. Step 2: Use end to replace newline with a period

   Setting end='.' prints a period instead of moving to a new line.

3. Step 3: Check argument order

   Argument order does not matter, but both sep and end must be included in the same print call.

4. Final Answer:

   print(1, 2, 3, sep=',', end='.') -> Option D

5. Quick Check:

   sep=',' and end='.' print 1,2,3. [OK]

Hint: Use sep for commas and end for period [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Swapping sep and end values
• Using two print statements instead of one
• Forgetting to set end to '.'