Find the Largest Number in a List
Level: Beginner
Project Description
Your task today is to build a beginner-friendly Python program that finds the largest number in a list — by writing your own logic instead of using Python’s built-in max() function.
But there’s a twist: instead of using a hardcoded list, your program should ask the user to input a list of numbers separated by commas.
You’ll then write a function that loops through the list and determines the largest number by comparing each item. Using functions like this is an essential programming skill. It trains you to break down problems and build code that’s reusable and easy to test.
This same logic is used in countless real-world scenarios, like:
Finding the highest exam score in a class
Determining the biggest sale in a dataset
Checking the peak temperature over a week
Expected Output
Here’s what a sample run might look like:
Enter numbers separated by commas: 3, 45, 7, 89, 21
The largest number is: 89
💡 Hint
Click the Show Hint button below if you’re not sure how to start. You’ll learn how to turn the user’s string into a list of numbers and how to loop through them to keep track of the biggest value found.
🚫 Remember: don’t use Python’s built-in max() — you’re writing your own logic for practice!
𝌣 Solution
🔒 This solution is available to paid subscribers only.
✅ It includes a clear function-based approach that builds your understanding from scratch.
🚀 Want to keep leveling up?
Browse 300+ projects at dailypythonprojects.substack.com/archive and unlock all solutions by subscribing. Build real Python skills daily and transform how you learn — one project at a time.