How do I parse a string to a float or int?

Question

In Python, how can I parse a numeric string like \"545.2222\" to its corresponding float value, 545.2222? Or parse the string \"31\" t

Answer 1

Here's another interpretation of your question (hint: it's vague). It's possible you're looking for something like this:

def parseIntOrFloat( aString ):
    return eval( aString )

It works like this...

>>> parseIntOrFloat("545.2222")
545.22220000000004
>>> parseIntOrFloat("545")
545

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Theoretically, there's an injection vulnerability. The string could, for example be "import os; os.abort()". Without any background on where the string comes from, however, the possibility is theoretical speculation. Since the question is vague, it's not at all clear if this vulnerability actually exists or not.