Easy · ages 10+ · strings · slicing · functions

Palindrome checker in Python.

Check whether a word reads the same forwards and backwards.

The program

Press Run to see what it prints. Change anything you like, then run it again.

def is_palindrome(word):
    word = word.lower()
    return word == word[::-1]

for w in ["level", "Python", "Racecar", "noon", "hello"]:
    if is_palindrome(w):
        print(w, "is a palindrome")
    else:
        print(w, "is not a palindrome")

level is a palindrome
Python is not a palindrome
Racecar is a palindrome
noon is a palindrome
hello is not a palindrome

How it works

word[::-1] is a slice that reads the string backwards.
.lower() turns everything into small letters so that 'Racecar' counts.
The function returns True or False, and the loop uses it in an if.

See the Python path →

Try this

Add your own words.
Ignore spaces so that 'never odd or even' works: use word.replace(" ", "").
Find all palindromes in a list of words.

Stuck on an error? Read how to debug Python.

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FAQ

Palindrome checker: questions

What does the palindrome checker program do?

Check whether a word reads the same forwards and backwards. It prints: level is a palindrome / Python is not a palindrome / Racecar is a palindrome …

Which Python ideas does it use?

strings, slicing, functions. Easy level, suitable from about age 10.

How do I run it?

Press Run on this page. To run it on your own computer, install Python 3 and save the code in a file ending in .py. It prints the same thing.

What should I try next?

Add your own words. Ignore spaces so that 'never odd or even' works: use word.replace(" ", ""). Find all palindromes in a list of words.

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