Variables

A variable is a name tag stuck onto a value. Create one with = (read it as "gets"):

food = "pizza"
slices = 3

Use the name instead of the value. You can also point the tag at a new value. The right side is worked out first:

slices = slices + 2   # take 3, add 2, store 5

+ adds numbers; - subtracts them. To print several values on one line, separate them with commas: print("Slices left:", slices) adds a space between them.

Step through it in the Visualizer and watch the slices box change from 3 to 5 when the update line runs.

See it run

slices = 3
saved = slices
slices = slices + 2
print(slices, saved)

Watch the Variables box: each name appears when its line runs.

Practice variables

Exercise 1

Create food holding your favourite food (any text).
Create slices holding 3.
On a new line, add 2 to slices using slices itself (so it becomes 5).
Print food, then print slices.

Exercise 2

A library has available = 12 books. Three are borrowed. Update available using its old value, then print 9.

Exercise 3

A concert starts with tickets = 40. Sell 6, then receive 2 returns. Update tickets in that order using its current value each time. Print Tickets left: 36 with print's comma-separated arguments.

Free lesson: use the editor to practice it.

Practice

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Visualizer Watch your code run line by line

Run your code, then choose Play to follow its execution.

Memory · names → values

Variables appear here as Python creates them.

Output & plots