Learn: Variables in Programming

Welcome!Today, we’re diving into an important programming concept: variables. Variables are essential for storing and managing data in computer programs. Let’s explore how they work step by step!

What is a Variable?A variable is a named storage location in a program that holds a value. This value can change while the program is running. Variables make it easier to work with data by giving it a name instead of always using the raw value.

Why Use Variables?Imagine you need to store a user’s age in a program. Instead of writing the number directly, you can use a variable like age. This makes your program flexible, as you can update what age holds without changing the whole program.

Assigning Values to VariablesTo assign a value to a variable, use the = symbol. For example, age = 16 stores the value 16 in the variable age. This is called assignment.

Updating VariablesVariables can be updated as the program runs. For example, if a user grows older, we can update age with a new value like age = 17. This flexibility is a key feature of variables.

Variable NamesVariable names should be descriptive and follow rules: they must start with a letter, can include letters, numbers, and underscores, but cannot have spaces. For example, user_name is valid, but user name is not.

Data Types for VariablesVariables can hold different types of data. The main types are:Integer (whole numbers, e.g., 10)Real/Float (decimal numbers, e.g., 10.5)String (text, e.g., 'Hello')Boolean (true/false)Using the right type ensures your program runs correctly.

Review Time!Great work so far! You've learned about what variables are, why they're used, how to name them, and their data types. Let’s test your understanding with a few more questions.

Well Done!You’ve completed the lesson on variables. Great job! Variables are a foundation of programming, and you’ll use them in almost every program you write. Keep practising, and you'll master them in no time!