Python Variables

How names are bound to values in Python, and why nothing is declared.

A name is a label

A variable in Python is a name bound to an object. There is no type to declare and no memory to reserve — the name simply points at a value, and can be pointed at another one later.

name = "Ada"
age = 36
age = age + 1
print(name, age)

Output:

Ada 37

Several at once

Python unpacks the right-hand side across the names on the left, which is why swapping two values needs no temporary.

x, y = 1, 2
x, y = y, x
print(x, y)

Output:

2 1

Next

Carry on to the next tutorial in the rail — it picks up where this one leaves off.