Running inputted code

[gameguy]

I'm trying to run some code inputted by the user.
I am attempting to use the eval statement without much luck.
I am trying to input commands like "a = b[0]" (that's an example). The problem seems to be that I can't set variable names using eval. Does anyone know how to solve this problem, or have any suggestions?
PS. Yes, I know this is dangerous. this would be used by me, not others

[Tony Flury]

Which language - that would help.

I know in Python there is a module for compiling code fragments - I have never used it though.

[gameguy]

Python. Thanks