What is the output type of the `input()` function in Python?

The input() function in Python is designed to capture user input as a string. Regardless of what the user types—numbers, symbols, or text—the function will always return the input as a sequence of characters. This means that if you want to use the input as a number or another data type, you will need to convert it explicitly using functions like int() for integers or float() for floating-point numbers. The string output ensures flexibility in handling different types of input.

The other options represent different data types that input() does not directly provide. For example, while a user might enter a number, the returned value will still be in string format. Thus, the correct output type of the input() function is a string, aligning with the option selected.