User input

Allowing user input enhances the dynamic nature of a program. It is a good practice to query the user for file paths or values rather than explicitly writing this information into the code file. Therefore, if the user wants to use the same program on a separate file, they can simply provide a different path, rather than editing the source code. In most programs, users supply input and output locations or identify which optional features or modules should be used at runtime.

User input can be supplied when the program is first called or during runtime as an argument. For most projects, it is recommended to use command-line arguments because asking the user for input during runtime halts the program execution while waiting for the input.