How to set an input time limit in Python?

In this article, we will explain how to set an input time limit in Python. It is one of the easiest programming languages which is not only dynamically typed but also garbage collected. Here we will look at different methods to set an input time limit. Below are the methods we will use in this article.

Methods to Set an Input Time Limit in Python

• Using the inputimeout module
• Using the select module
• Using the signal module
• Using the threading module

Set an Input Time Limit using the inputimeout module

Inputimeout: The module in Python helps users to take input on multiple platforms but also handles the timed input. This module can be installed in Python through the following command:

pip install inputimeout

Example:

First of all, import the libraries. Now, create a try-except statement, the try block to execute lines of code and except to handle errors in the program. Here, we used the inputimeout() function, which will take timed input in Python. Then, handle the errors using except block and declare the timeout statement. Finally, print the statement on timeout.

Output: 

 

Set an Input Time Limit using the select module

Select: This module that provides a connection to platform-specific input-output monitoring functions. You can install the select module in Python through the following command:

pip install select

Example:

First of all, import the required libraries. Now, define the question or print any line if you want and return three new lists containing a subset of content. Here, you can also declare the time in seconds after which timeout is done and the statement is returned. Moreover, run the if-else loop where the if statement will read the input and print the result till the time is running. Finally, define the else statement to catch the timeout statement and print it.

Output:

 

Set an Input Time Limit using the signal module

Signal: This module receives information from the operating system and passes it to the program in the form of signals. The signal module can be installed by running the following command in Python.

pip install signal

Example:

First of all, import the required library. Now, define custom handlers to be executed on receiving the signal using the signal() function. Also, define an alarm clock for the delivery of signals using SIGALRM. Then, create a function to take the input from the user. In the function, run the try-except statement to take input and handle the errors if any. In the try block, print any line of your choice or the question to be answered and return the taken input from the user.

Moreover, create an alarm using the alarm() function with the time specified in seconds. Next, run the function time_input() to capture the input of the user. Later on, disable the alarm after success. Finally, print the result, i.e., the value inputted by the user.

Output:

 

Set an Input Time Limit using the threading module

Threading: The Python module which allows various tasks to run at the same time is known as the Threading module. It has an entry, execution, and endpoint. The thread module has a timer() function, which delays a certain action to be performed.

pip install threading

Example:

Now, we will take the time in seconds as input from the user. This will be the time allocated to the user for answering the question. Then, print the question for which the user needs to give the answer. Now, set the timer using the Timer() function with the time specified by the user and a message to print when the time will be over. Then, we start the timer using the start() function. Further, give an alert message to the user about his time has started. Moreover, take the input from the user and store it in a variable. Finally, stop the timer using the cancel() function.

Output: