Turn string to a function in python

Question

Is there a way to convert a string value to a function? If this simply isn't doable with python, please let me know.

For example, I would like to convert this string:

'''
def greet(name):
    return f'Hello, {name}'
'''

to this function:

def greet(name):
    return f'Hello, {name}'

In a program, the example might look like:

function_string = '''
def greet(name):
    return f'Hello, {name}'
'''

def str_to_func(string):
    # Function body...

str_to_func(function_string)

Does this answer your question? How can I convert string to source code in python? — mcsoini
– mcsoini, Commented Apr 6, 2021 at 18:04
A def statement is not an expression. You would need to use exec, not eval. Use with caution. — khelwood
– khelwood, Commented Apr 6, 2021 at 18:06

kiranr · Accepted Answer · 2021-04-06 18:12:52Z

3

here's an example use exec

function_string = '''
def greet(name):
    return f'Hello, {name}'

print(greet('john'))
'''

exec(function_string)

output :

Hello, john

answered Apr 6, 2021 at 18:12

kiranr

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