How do you convert a string to a function in python?

Question

How do you convert a string (for example, input from a textbox) into a proper function?

Answer 1

You can use eval. But be very careful! This opens up lots of security holes.

>>> s = '3+4'
>>> eval(s)
7

If you want it callable:

>>> s = '3+4'
>>> f = eval('lambda: ' + s)
>>> f()
7

More information on eval here.

Answer 2

def func():
    print "hello"

# just eval it
eval(raw_input())

# if you just want to ask for name
fName=raw_input()
if fName in globals():
    globals()[fName]()

And there could be various other ways depending on what is the objective?