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Variables & Assignment

beginner10 min readLesson 5 of 169

Names that remember: assignment, naming, reassignment.

A variable is a name that refers to a value. Assignment uses = (read it as "becomes", not "equals"):

age = 21
name = "Minh"

Variables let programs remember. Once assigned, use the name anywhere below:

price = 5
quantity = 3
total = price * quantity   # 15
print(total)

Naming rules (and taste)

  • Names may contain letters, digits, and underscores: user_name, score2.
  • They cannot start with a digit or contain spaces.
  • Case matters: total and Total are different names.
  • Style: use snake_case โ€” lowercase with underscores. Future-you reads names as documentation.

Reassignment

Variables point to values; pointing can change:

score = 10
score = score + 5   # now 15

Python evaluates the right side first (10 + 5), then re-points the name.

Now practice

Variable DrillsAssign, combine, and update variables.3 challenges ยท ยท ~30 min