Python hangman algorithm

Question

So when i was programming a simple hangman game for fun, because of the beginner i am i still need help on things:

1. I want my algorithm to test whether an input has only one character for example:

   while True:
     x=str(input())
     #code checking wheather it is only one character, if it is  
     character break and stop the loop, 
     otherwise repeat the input
   

2. Let's say my secret word is 'billy' I would want to know how to how to check whether this one letter input has the same letter as any of those in the secret word. for e.g

   if x *code checking if the input has a same letter as the secret word*:
     #carry on program
   

If you can help me with either of these two problems you'd be a lifesaver!

Answer 1

You could use if in when checking. So you get the input and then you would use code like the following:

if x in secret_word:
  #carry on with the program

To check for it having one character use len. So

if len(x)==1:
  #carry on