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pythonparsingequation

Equation parsing in Python

How can I (easily) take a string such as "sin(x)*x^2" which might be entered by a user at runtime and produce a Python function that could be evaluated for any value of x?

Solution

  • Python's own internal compiler can parse this, if you use Python notation.

    If your change the notation slightly, you'll be happier.

    import compiler
eq= "sin(x)*x**2"
ast= compiler.parse( eq )

    You get an abstract syntax tree that you can work with.