How to convert a string to a function name in python?

Question

For example, if I have a function called add like

def add(x,y):
    return x+y

and I want the ability to convert a string or a

Answer 1

One safe way is to map from names to functions. It's safer than using eval.

function_mappings = {
        'add': add,
}

def select_function():
    while True:
        try:
            return function_mappings[raw_input('Please input the function you want to use')]
        except KeyError:
            print 'Invalid function, try again.'