Back to Network Automation Python fundamentals

Python Print Function

Use print() to show clear status messages, values, and results while a network script runs.

Beginnerprint()InterpreterStrings

Python Print Function at a Glance

The print() function makes a program's work visible by displaying text, stored values, and readable status messages.

Call the function

Write print() and place the value or message to display inside the parentheses.

Show useful context

Label device names, addresses, counters, and results so the output explains itself.

Observe the script

Use output to follow progress, confirm assumptions, and locate the step that produced an unexpected result.

In This Lesson

  1. What is the print function?
  2. Open the interpreter
  3. Print a blank line
  4. Print text
  5. Guided practice

1. What is the print function?

The print() function writes information to the screen. It helps a user see what a script is checking and whether the check passed or failed.

Write print followed by parentheses. Put the value you want to display inside the parentheses.

Basic syntax

print(value)
Python print function infographic with basic syntax, interpreter examples, separators, line endings, variables, network engineering examples, common mistakes, and a quick-reference table
Python print() at a glance, from a blank line and Hello World to separators, variables, and practical network automation output.

2. Open the Python interpreter

Open the Python interactive interpreter. Its prompt looks like this:

Interpreter prompt

>>>

When you see >>>, Python is ready for a statement. Type each example after the prompt and press Enter. Do not type the prompt itself.

3. Print a blank line

First, call the function without giving it a value:

Empty print call

>>> print()

>>>

No word or number is supplied, so Python writes only a newline. The result appears as one blank line.

Key point: print() is not doing nothing. Its default line ending moves the cursor to the next line.

4. Print text

Put text inside matching quotes. The quotes tell Python that the characters are a string, which means text.

Hello World

>>> print("Hello World")
Hello World

Python displays the text without showing the surrounding quotes.

Keep the quotes paired: both single quotes and double quotes can create Python strings, but the opening and closing quote must match.

5. Guided practice

A useful status line should name the device, the check, and the result. This makes logs easier to read during a fault or maintenance window.

Display a device message

  1. Open the Python interpreter.
  2. Enter the statement below.
  3. Press Enter and compare the output.
  4. Replace R1 with another hostname.
>>> print("Connecting to R1")
Connecting to R1

Expected result: Python displays the text exactly as it appears between the quotes.

Create visual spacing

  1. Print one status message.
  2. Call print() with no value.
  3. Print a second status message.
>>> print("Starting check")
Starting check
>>> print()

>>> print("Check complete")
Check complete

Expected result: the empty call creates one blank output line between the messages.

Real-world example: interface check

Print a readable result

device = "R1"
interface = "GigabitEthernet0/1"
state = "up"

print(f"{device} | {interface} | state: {state}")

The output is R1 | GigabitEthernet0/1 | state: up. A network engineer can understand it without opening the script.

Python Print Function Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Python print function do?

It displays text, numbers, variables, and other values as output for the user. It is also useful while learning and debugging a program.

Why does print() show a blank line?

Even with no values, print() writes its default newline character. That moves the cursor to the next line, so the result looks blank.

Why does text need quotes in print()?

Quotes tell Python that the characters form a string literal. Without quotes, Python treats the text as a name such as a variable and may report a NameError.