Python Forum

Dear Python community,
I am new and desperately trying to learn Python, but have tripped on the first big hurdle... Please help me - I want to persevere and enjoy this!

I am using a book called 'Python Basics Level 1' by Chris Roffey, and working through Chapter 3 (yes - level 1 has got me, already).

When I (try to) F5 run the script, an Invalid Syntax error appears, with the 6 in Python 3.6.2 highlighted.
I can't seem to find the answer to this online and I have no one to ask directly.
I look forward to help and if I need to supply more information, then I can and will readily - Moderator: redacted

Thanks in advance,
Chris

Python 3.6.2 should not be a part of your code.
Post the code you're trying to run (inside appropriate tags).

There are 2 part in IDLE interactive(>>>) testing and file window(where you write code) that's saved as .py.
IDLE is not good,we have many discussion about editor in this forum if you srearch.
Thonny, PyScripter is in same category as IDLE just better.
Also mention VS code and PyCharm(free community edtion),for more fully equipped editor's.

Here IDLE example.

Thank you kindly Snippsat & Stranac, I hoped for help and found it sooner than expected. I genuinely appreciate this.

Stranac - The code is below; Snippsat, I tried your good advice (which made sense) and then it highlighted several subsequent characters as 'invalid syntax', such as the middle > in each line:

Python 3.6.2 (v3.6.2:5fd33b5, Jul 8 2017, 04:57:36) [MSC v.1900 64 bit (AMD64)] on win32
Type "copyright", "credits" or "license()" for more information.
# My_magic_8_ball
>>> import random
# write answers
>>> ans1="go for it!"
>>> ans2="No way, sir"
>>> ans3="Not sure. Ask again."
>>> ans4="Fear of the unknown."
>>> ans5="It would be madness to do that."
>>> ans6="Only uou can save mankind."
>>> ans7="Makes no difference to me."
>>> ans8="That's the right choice."

print ("Welcome to my magic 8 ball.")
question = input ("ask me for advice then press RETURN to shake me. \n")
print ("shaking... \n * 4)
choice=random.randit(1, 8)
if choice ==1:
answer=ans1
elif choice == 2:
answer=ans2
elif choice == 3:
answer=ans3
elif choice == 4:
answer=ans4
elif choice == 5:
answer=ans5
elif choice == 6:
answer=ans6
elif choice == 7:
answer=ans7
else:
answer=ans8
print (answer)

input("\n\nPress the RETURN key to finish.")

Use code tag,read BBCode help.
Here is code without(>>>) which shall only be there if do interactive testing.
>>> shall not be there when writing longer code.
Also fixed error in code.

import random

# write answers
ans1 = "go for it!"
ans2 = "No way, sir"
ans3 = "Not sure. Ask again."
ans4 = "Fear of the unknown."
ans5 = "It would be madness to do that."
ans6 = "Only You can save mankind."
ans7 = "Makes no difference to me."
ans8 = "That's the right choice."

print("Welcome to my magic 8 ball.")
question = input("ask me for advice then press RETURN to shake me. \n")
print("shaking... \n" * 4)
choice = random.randint(1, 8)
if choice == 1:
    answer = ans1
elif choice == 2:
    answer = ans2
elif choice == 3:
    answer = ans3
elif choice == 4:
    answer = ans4
elif choice == 5:
    answer = ans5
elif choice == 6:
    answer = ans6
elif choice == 7:
    answer = ans7
else:
    answer = ans8
print(answer)
input("\n\nPress the RETURN key to finish.") 

Output:
E:\1
λ python ans.py
Welcome to my magic 8 ball.
ask me for advice then press RETURN to shake me.

shaking...
shaking...
shaking...
shaking...

go for it!


Press the RETURN key to finish.

So it work,if you shall use code in IDLE look at image.
Copy this code and open File --> New File window(paste in code and save it as eg ans.py)
Now you can run code it with Run -- Run Module(F5).

Snippsat,
THANK YOU!!!
It makes sense; now works, and I've also started using the link to BBCcode help. Although I am new to this, I still hope I can return the help one day...