Python Variables - GeeksforGeeks

See More

In this tutorial, we will explore Variables in Python<\/strong>, an essential concept that allows you to store, manage, and manipulate data within your programs. Understanding variables is crucial for effective programming and data handling in Python.<\/p>

Key Features of Variables<\/h3>
Dynamic Typing<\/strong>: Python uses dynamic typing, meaning you do not need to declare the data type of a variable explicitly. The interpreter determines the type at runtime based on the value assigned.<\/li>
No Declaration Required<\/strong>: You can create a variable simply by assigning a value to it, without the need for a specific declaration syntax.<\/li>
Flexible Data Types<\/strong>: Python supports various data types, including integers, floats, strings, lists, dictionaries, and more. Variables can hold data of any type, and their type can change dynamically.<\/li><\/ul>
How Variables Work in Python<\/h3>
When you create a variable, you are essentially creating a name that refers to a value stored in memory. The assignment operator (=) is used to assign values to variables. Once a variable is defined, you can use it throughout your program to refer to the value it holds.<\/p>
Naming Conventions for Variables<\/h3>
Descriptive Names<\/strong>: Choose meaningful variable names that describe the data they hold. This enhances code readability and maintainability.<\/li>
Follow Syntax Rules<\/strong>: Variable names can include letters, numbers, and underscores, but cannot start with a number. They should not contain special characters or spaces.<\/li>
Case Sensitivity<\/strong>: Variable names are case-sensitive. For example, myVariable and myvariable are considered two different variables.<\/li><\/ul>
Common Operations with Variables<\/h3>
Assignment<\/strong>: Assign values to variables using the assignment operator. You can also assign multiple variables in a single statement.<\/li>
Data Manipulation<\/strong>: Perform operations on variables, such as arithmetic calculations, string concatenation, and list operations.<\/li>
Updating Variables<\/strong>: Variables can be updated by reassigning them with new values or by performing operations that modify their current value.<\/li><\/ul>
Common Mistakes to Avoid<\/h3>
Using Undefined Variables<\/strong>: Attempting to use a variable before it has been defined will result in a runtime error. Always ensure that variables are assigned values before use.<\/li>
Typographical Errors<\/strong>: Misspelling a variable name can lead to confusion and errors, as Python will treat it as a new variable.<\/li>
Ignoring Scope<\/strong>: Be mindful of variable scope (local vs. global). Understanding where a variable can be accessed is crucial for effective programming.<\/li><\/ul>
Applications of Variables<\/h3>
Data Storage<\/strong>: Variables are used to store data temporarily while a program runs, allowing for dynamic data manipulation.<\/li>
Intermediate Calculations<\/strong>: Use variables to hold intermediate results in calculations, making complex operations easier to manage.<\/li>
User Input Handling<\/strong>: Variables can store user input for further processing, allowing programs to interact with users effectively.<\/li><\/ul>
Why Learn About Variables in Python?<\/h3>
Understanding variables is foundational for programming in Python. By mastering this concept, you will:<\/p>
Enhance Your Programming Skills<\/strong>: Gain a solid understanding of how data is stored and manipulated in Python.<\/li>
Write More Efficient Code<\/strong>: Learn to manage and use data effectively, improving the overall performance of your applications.<\/li>
Develop Practical Applications<\/strong>: Create applications that utilize variables for data management, calculations, and user interactions.<\/li><\/ul>
Topics Covered<\/h3>
Introduction to Variables<\/strong>: Understand the basics and significance of variables in Python.<\/li>
Naming Conventions<\/strong>: Explore best practices for naming variables effectively.<\/li>
Common Operations<\/strong>: Learn about operations that can be performed on variables.<\/li>
Common Mistakes<\/strong>: Discuss pitfalls to avoid when using variables.<\/li><\/ul>\",\"source\":\"https:\/\/cdnvideos.geeksforgeeks.org\/hls\/aa4addf41175e52e7ba7e94097881fcdgfg-Variables In Python.m3u8\",\"category\":[{\"term_id__id\":10,\"term_id__term_name\":\"Python\",\"term_id__term_type\":1,\"term_id__slug\":\"python\"},{\"term_id__id\":166,\"term_id__term_name\":\"courses populated\",\"term_id__term_type\":2,\"term_id__slug\":\"courses-populated\"}],\"meta\":{\"thumbnail\":\"https:\/\/media.geeksforgeeks.org\/courses\/VariablesinPython\/VariablesinPython20241108171348-small.png\",\"largeThumbnail\":\"https:\/\/media.geeksforgeeks.org\/courses\/VariablesinPython\/VariablesinPython20241108171348.jpg\",\"likes\":0,\"views\":492510,\"isFeatured\":0,\"isPremium\":0,\"isPublic\":1,\"format\":0,\"revision\":{}},\"time\":\"03\/08\/2020\",\"subtitle\":\"https:\/\/cdnvideos.geeksforgeeks.org\/subtitles\/aa4addf41175e52e7ba7e94097881fcdgfg-Variables In Python.vtt\",\"duration\":428,\"course_link\":\"https:\/\/www.geeksforgeeks.org\/courses\/master-python-complete-beginner-to-advanced\",\"video_schema\":{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"VideoObject\",\"name\":\"Variables in Python\",\"description\":\"Variables in Python nbspIn this tutorial, we will explore Variables in Python, an essential concept that allows you to store, manage, and manipulate data within your programs. Understanding variables is crucial for effective programming and data handling in Python.Key Features of VariablesDynamic Typing Python uses dynamic typing, meaning you do not need to declare the data type of a variable explicitly. The interpreter determines the type at runtime based on the value assigned.No Declaration Required You can create a variable simply by assigning a value to it, without the need for a specific declaration syntax.Flexible Data Types Python supports various data types, including integers, floats, strings, lists, dictionaries, and more. Variables can hold data of any type, and their type can change dynamically.How Variables Work in PythonWhen you create a variable, you are essentially creating a name that refers to a value stored in memory. The assignment operator () is used to assign values to variables. Once a variable is defined, you can use it throughout your program to refer to the value it holds.Naming Conventions for VariablesDescriptive Names Choose meaningful variable names that describe the data they hold. This enhances code readability and maintainability.Follow Syntax Rules Variable names can include letters, numbers, and underscores, but cannot start with a number. They should not contain special characters or spaces.Case Sensitivity Variable names are case-sensitive. For example, myVariable and myvariable are considered two different variables.Common Operations with VariablesAssignment Assign values to variables using the assignment operator. You can also assign multiple variables in a single statement.Data Manipulation Perform operations on variables, such as arithmetic calculations, string concatenation, and list operations.Updating Variables Variables can be updated by reassigning them with new values or by performing operations that modify their current value.Common Mistakes to AvoidUsing Undefined Variables Attempting to use a variable before it has been defined will result in a runtime error. Always ensure that variables are assigned values before use.Typographical Errors Misspelling a variable name can lead to confusion and errors, as Python will treat it as a new variable.Ignoring Scope Be mindful of variable scope (local vs. global). Understanding where a variable can be accessed is crucial for effective programming.Applications of VariablesData Storage Variables are used to store data temporarily while a program runs, allowing for dynamic data manipulation.Intermediate Calculations Use variables to hold intermediate results in calculations, making complex operations easier to manage.User Input Handling Variables can store user input for further processing, allowing programs to interact with users effectively.Why Learn About Variables in Python?Understanding variables is foundational for programming in Python. By mastering this concept, you willEnhance Your Programming Skills Gain a solid understanding of how data is stored and manipulated in Python.Write More Efficient Code Learn to manage and use data effectively, improving the overall performance of your applications.Develop Practical Applications Create applications that utilize variables for data management, calculations, and user interactions.Topics CoveredIntroduction to Variables Understand the basics and significance of variables in Python.Naming Conventions Explore best practices for naming variables effectively.Common Operations Learn about operations that can be performed on variables.Common Mistakes Discuss pitfalls to avoid when using variables.\",\"thumbnailUrl\":[\"https:\/\/media.geeksforgeeks.org\/courses\/VariablesinPython\/VariablesinPython20241108171348.jpg\",\"https:\/\/media.geeksforgeeks.org\/courses\/VariablesinPython\/VariablesinPython20241108171348-seo.png\",\"https:\/\/media.geeksforgeeks.org\/courses\/VariablesinPython\/VariablesinPython20241108171348-small.png\"],\"uploadDate\":\"2020-08-03T21:03:25Z\",\"duration\":\"PT0H7M8S\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.geeksforgeeks.org\/videos\/variables-in-python-dc0fg0\/\"}}]"); Python Variables - GeeksforGeeks

Skip to content

Interview Prep
DSA
Interview Corner
Aptitude & Reasoning
Practice Coding Problems
All Courses
Tutorials
Python
Java
ML & Data Science
Programming Languages
Web Development
CS Subjects
DevOps
Software and Tools
School Learning
Tracks
Languages
Python
C
C++
Java
Advanced Java
SQL
JavaScript
C#
Interview Preparation
GfG 160
GfG 360
System Design
Core Subjects
Interview Questions
Interview Puzzles
Aptitude and Reasoning
Product Management
Computer Organisation and Architecture
Data Science
Python
Data Analytics
Complete Data Science
Gen AI
Agentic AI
Dev Skills
Full-Stack Web Dev
DevOps
Software Testing
CyberSecurity
NextJS
Git
Tools
Computer Fundamentals
AI Tools
MS Excel & Google Sheets
MS Word & Google Docs
Maths
Maths For Computer Science
Engineering Mathematics
School Maths

Python Tutorial
Data Types
Interview Questions
Examples
Quizzes
DSA Python
Data Science
NumPy
Pandas
Practice
Django
Flask
Projects

Open In App

Python Variables

Last Updated : 10 Nov, 2025

Comments

Improve

Suggest changes

72 Likes

Like

Report

In Python, variables are used to store data that can be referenced and manipulated during program execution. A variable is essentially a name that is assigned to a value.
Unlike Java and many other languages, Python variables do not require explicit declaration of type.
The type of the variable is inferred based on the value assigned.
Python x = 5 name = "Samantha" print(x) print(name)
Output:
5
Samantha
Rules for Naming Variables
To use variables effectively, we must follow Python’s naming rules:
Variable names can only contain letters, digits and underscores (_).
A variable name cannot start with a digit.
Variable names are case-sensitive like myVar and myvar are different.
Avoid using Python keywords like if, else, for as variable names.
Valid :
Python age = 21 _colour = "lilac" total_score = 90
Invalid :
Python 1name = "Error" # Starts with a digit class = 10 # 'class' is a reserved keyword user-name = "Doe" # Contains a hyphen
Assigning Values to Variables
Basic Assignment
Variables in Python are assigned values using the = operator.
Python x = 5 y = 3.14 z = "Hi"
Dynamic Typing
Python variables are dynamically typed, meaning the same variable can hold different types of values during execution.
Python x = 10 x = "Now a string"
Multiple Assignments
Python allows multiple variables to be assigned values in a single line.
Assigning the Same Value
Python allows assigning the same value to multiple variables in a single line, which can be useful for initializing variables with the same value.
Python a = b = c = 100 print(a, b, c)
Output:
100 100 100
Assigning Different Values
We can assign different values to multiple variables simultaneously, making the code concise and easier to read.
Python x, y, z = 1, 2.5, "Python" print(x, y, z)
Output:
1 2.5 Python
Type Casting a Variable
Type casting refers to the process of converting the value of one data type into another. Python provides several built-in functions to facilitate casting, including int(), float() and str() among others.
Basic Casting Functions
int(): Converts compatible values to an integer.
float(): Transforms values into floating-point numbers.
str(): Converts any data type into a string.
Python s = "10" n = int(s) cnt = 5 f = float(cnt) age = 25 s2 = str(age) print(n) print(f) print(s2)
Output:
10
5.0
25
Getting the Type of Variable
In Python, we can determine the type of a variable using the type() function. This built-in function returns the type of the object passed to it.
Python n = 42 f = 3.14 s = "Hello, World!" li = [1, 2, 3] d = {'key': 'value'} bool = True print(type(n)) print(type(f)) print(type(s)) print(type(li)) print(type(d)) print(type(bool))
Output:
<class 'int'>
<class 'float'>
<class 'str'>
<class 'list'>
<class 'dict'>
<class 'bool'>
Object Reference in Python
Let us assign a variable x to value 5.
x = 5
When x = 5 is executed, Python creates an object to represent the value 5 and makes x reference this object.
Now, let's assign another variable y to the variable x.
y = x
Python encounters the first statement, it creates an object for the value 5 and makes x reference it. The second statement creates y and references the same object as x, not x itself. This is called a Shared Reference, where multiple variables reference the same object.
Now, if we write
x = 'Geeks'
Python creates a new object for the value "Geeks" and makes x reference this new object.
The variable y remains unchanged, still referencing the original object 5.
If we now assign a new value to y:
y = "Computer"
Python creates yet another object for "Computer" and updates y to reference it.
The original object 5 no longer has any references and becomes eligible for garbage collection.
Python variables hold references to objects, not the actual objects themselves.
Reassigning a variable does not affect other variables referencing the same object unless explicitly updated.
Delete a Variable Using del Keyword
We can remove a variable from the namespace using the del keyword. This deletes the variable and frees up the memory it was using.
Python x = 10 print(x) del x # Trying to print x after deletion will raise an error # print(x) # Uncommenting this line will raise NameError: name 'x' is not defined
del x removes the variable x from memory.
After deletion, trying to access the variable x results in a NameError indicating that the variable no longer exists.
Practical Examples
1. Swapping Two Variables
Using multiple assignments, we can swap the values of two variables without needing a temporary variable.
Python a, b = 5, 10 a, b = b, a print(a, b)
Output:
10 5
2. Counting Characters in a String
Assign the results of multiple operations on a string to variables in one line.
Python word = "Python" length = len(word) print("Length of the word:", length)
Output:
Length of the word: 6
Related Posts:
Python Variable Quiz
Local and Global Scope
Assign function to a Variable in Python
Insert a Variable into a String in Python
Type Casting in Python
Recommended Problems:
Type Conversion
TypeCast And Double It
Swap The Numbers
Sum of N Numbers
Int Str

Create Quiz

Variables in Python
Visit Course

S

shruthitv

Improve

S

shruthitv

Improve

Article Tags :

Python

python-basics

Explore

Python Fundamentals
Python Introduction
2 min read
Input and Output in Python
4 min read
Python Variables
4 min read
Python Operators
4 min read
Python Keywords
2 min read
Python Data Types
8 min read
Conditional Statements in Python
3 min read
Loops in Python - For, While and Nested Loops
5 min read
Python Functions
5 min read
Recursion in Python
4 min read
Python Lambda Functions
5 min read
Python Data Structures
Python String
5 min read
Python Lists
4 min read
Python Tuples
4 min read
Python Dictionary
3 min read
Python Sets
6 min read
Python Arrays
7 min read
List Comprehension in Python
4 min read
Advanced Python
Python OOP Concepts
11 min read
Python Exception Handling
5 min read
File Handling in Python
4 min read
Python Database Tutorial
4 min read
Python MongoDB Tutorial
3 min read
Python MySQL
9 min read
Python Packages
10 min read
Python Modules
3 min read
Python DSA Libraries
15 min read
List of Python GUI Library and Packages
3 min read
Data Science with Python
NumPy Tutorial - Python Library
3 min read
Pandas Tutorial
4 min read
Matplotlib Tutorial
5 min read
Python Seaborn Tutorial
3 min read
StatsModel Library - Tutorial
3 min read
Learning Model Building in Scikit-learn
6 min read
TensorFlow Tutorial
2 min read
PyTorch Tutorial
6 min read
Web Development with Python
Flask Tutorial
8 min read
Django Tutorial | Learn Django Framework
7 min read
Django ORM - Inserting, Updating & Deleting Data
4 min read
Templating With Jinja2 in Flask
6 min read
Django Templates
5 min read
Build a REST API using Flask - Python
3 min read
Building a Simple API with Django REST Framework
3 min read
Python Practice
Python Quiz
1 min read
Python Coding Practice
1 min read
Python Interview Questions and Answers
15+ min read

top_of_element && top_of_screen < bottom_of_element) || (bottom_of_screen > articleRecommendedTop && top_of_screen < articleRecommendedBottom) || (top_of_screen > articleRecommendedBottom)) { if (!isfollowingApiCall) { isfollowingApiCall = true; setTimeout(function(){ if (loginData && loginData.isLoggedIn) { if (loginData.userName !== $('#followAuthor').val()) { is_following(); } else { $('.profileCard-profile-picture').css('background-color', '#E7E7E7'); } } else { $('.follow-btn').removeClass('hideIt'); } }, 3000); } } }); } $(".accordion-header").click(function() { var arrowIcon = $(this).find('.bottom-arrow-icon'); arrowIcon.toggleClass('rotate180'); }); }); window.isReportArticle = false; function report_article(){ if (!loginData || !loginData.isLoggedIn) { const loginModalButton = $('.login-modal-btn') if (loginModalButton.length) { loginModalButton.click(); } return; } if(!window.isReportArticle){ //to add loader $('.report-loader').addClass('spinner'); jQuery('#report_modal_content').load(gfgSiteUrl+'wp-content/themes/iconic-one/report-modal.php', { PRACTICE_API_URL: practiceAPIURL, PRACTICE_URL:practiceURL },function(responseTxt, statusTxt, xhr){ if(statusTxt == "error"){ alert("Error: " + xhr.status + ": " + xhr.statusText); } }); }else{ window.scrollTo({ top: 0, behavior: 'smooth' }); $("#report_modal_content").show(); } } function closeShareModal() { const shareOption = document.querySelector('[data-gfg-action="share-article"]'); shareOption.classList.remove("hover_share_menu"); let shareModal = document.querySelector(".hover__share-modal-container"); shareModal && shareModal.remove(); } function openShareModal() { closeShareModal(); // Remove existing modal if any let shareModal = document.querySelector(".three_dot_dropdown_share"); shareModal.appendChild(Object.assign(document.createElement("div"), { className: "hover__share-modal-container" })); document.querySelector(".hover__share-modal-container").append( Object.assign(document.createElement('div'), { className: "share__modal" }), ); document.querySelector(".share__modal").append(Object.assign(document.createElement('h1'), { className: "share__modal-heading" }, { textContent: "Share to" })); const socialOptions = ["LinkedIn", "WhatsApp","Twitter", "Copy Link"]; socialOptions.forEach((socialOption) => { const socialContainer = Object.assign(document.createElement('div'), { className: "social__container" }); const icon = Object.assign(document.createElement("div"), { className: `share__icon share__${socialOption.split(" ").join("")}-icon` }); const socialText = Object.assign(document.createElement("span"), { className: "share__option-text" }, { textContent: `${socialOption}` }); const shareLink = (socialOption === "Copy Link") ? Object.assign(document.createElement('div'), { role: "button", className: "link-container CopyLink" }) : Object.assign(document.createElement('a'), { className: "link-container" }); if (socialOption === "LinkedIn") { shareLink.setAttribute('href', `https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=${window.location.href}`); shareLink.setAttribute('target', '_blank'); } if (socialOption === "WhatsApp") { shareLink.setAttribute('href', `https://api.whatsapp.com/send?text=${window.location.href}`); shareLink.setAttribute('target', "_blank"); } if (socialOption === "Twitter") { shareLink.setAttribute('href', `https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=${window.location.href}`); shareLink.setAttribute('target', "_blank"); } shareLink.append(icon, socialText); socialContainer.append(shareLink); document.querySelector(".share__modal").appendChild(socialContainer); //adding copy url functionality if(socialOption === "Copy Link") { shareLink.addEventListener("click", function() { var tempInput = document.createElement("input"); tempInput.value = window.location.href; document.body.appendChild(tempInput); tempInput.select(); tempInput.setSelectionRange(0, 99999); // For mobile devices document.execCommand('copy'); document.body.removeChild(tempInput); this.querySelector(".share__option-text").textContent = "Copied" }) } }); // document.querySelector(".hover__share-modal-container").addEventListener("mouseover", () => document.querySelector('[data-gfg-action="share-article"]').classList.add("hover_share_menu")); } function toggleLikeElementVisibility(selector, show) { document.querySelector(`.${selector}`).style.display = show ? "block" : "none"; } function closeKebabMenu(){ document.getElementById("myDropdown").classList.toggle("show"); }

Corporate & Communications Address:

A-143, 7th Floor, Sovereign Corporate Tower, Sector- 136, Noida, Uttar Pradesh (201305)

Registered Address:
K 061, Tower K, Gulshan Vivante Apartment, Sector 137, Noida, Gautam Buddh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, 201305

Company
About Us
Legal
Privacy Policy
Contact Us
Advertise with us
GFG Corporate Solution
Campus Training Program
Explore
POTD
Job-A-Thon
Blogs
Nation Skill Up
Tutorials
Programming Languages
DSA
Web Technology
AI, ML & Data Science
DevOps
CS Core Subjects
Interview Preparation
Software and Tools
Courses
ML and Data Science
DSA and Placements
Web Development
Programming Languages
DevOps & Cloud
GATE
Trending Technologies
Videos
DSA
Python
Java
C++
Web Development
Data Science
CS Subjects
Preparation Corner
Interview Corner
Aptitude
Puzzles
GfG 160
System Design

@GeeksforGeeks, Sanchhaya Education Private Limited, All rights reserved

Improvement

Suggest Changes

Help us improve. Share your suggestions to enhance the article. Contribute your expertise and make a difference in the GeeksforGeeks portal.

Create Improvement

Enhance the article with your expertise. Contribute to the GeeksforGeeks community and help create better learning resources for all.

Suggest Changes

min 4 words, max Words Limit:1000

Thank You!

Your suggestions are valuable to us.

What kind of Experience do you want to share?

Interview Experiences

Admission Experiences

Career Journeys

Work Experiences

Campus Experiences

Competitive Exam Experiences