Python Memory Allocation Explained for Beginners

Python memory allocation is important from the very first line of code. Python stores values, while you write variables. It’s a straightforward concept, but a whole system is operating behind it. Understanding memory allocation in Python helps you to manage memory, update values, and store data.

This guide explains:

• What memory allocation means
• Why it matters
• How Python stores values in memory
• How variable update works
• What garbage collection does

What is Python Memory Allocation

Memory allocation means reserving space in your computer’s memory to store data when your program runs.

Example:

a = 53

Here:

• 53 is data
• a is a variable name

Python takes a free memory block. It stores 53 inside. Then it connects the name a to that memory block.

You do not choose the block. Python picks it.

Why Python Memory Allocation Matters

You need this concept for clear thinking.

If you know how Python stores and updates data, you write better code. You avoid confusion when variables change or point to new values.

Simple real-life example:

Your notebook is on your study table. You know where it is, so you find it fast. Same logic. If you know where your data lives, you can access it quickly and use it efficiently.

How Python Stores Values in Memory

Python memory has many blocks. Each block has its own address. Example memory layout:

Address 1001 -> 53
Address 1207 -> 67 
Address 1613 -> 90

To check the memory address in Python:

print(id(53))
print(id(67)) 
print(id(90))

Output will show different numbers. These are memory addresses. They change each run.

Python Memory Allocation During Variable Update

You cannot remember long numbers. So you use a variable name instead.

Example:

a = 53 
b = 67 
c = 90 
print(a, id(a)) 
print(b, id(b)) 
print(c, id(c))

Output:

53 2472 
67 2920 
90 4040

You access values with names, not addresses.

Variable Updating

Variable update means changing the data stored inside a variable.

Example:

a = 53 
print(a, id(a)) 

a = 67 
print(a, id(a))

What happens in memory:

1. 53 is stored at some address

2. a points to that address

3. When you assign 67, Python does not overwrite 53

4. Python creates a new memory block for 67

5. a now points to the new block

So the memory address changes when the value changes.

Important rule:
The old value becomes unused once the variable points to a new block.

Garbage Collector

Question: What happens to the memory block of the old value once a new value replaces it?

Python has a garbage collector.

The garbage collector frees the memory of unused values.
If no variable points to a value, Python removes it from memory.

This helps prevent memory waste.

Example sequence:

a = 10 # memory block A 
a = 20 # now points to memory block B

Old block A will stay with the garbage collector for a short period of time and then get cleaned when not needed.

Quick Summary

• Memory allocation means storing data in memory blocks
• Each block has a unique address
• Variables point to memory addresses
• Updating a variable creates a new memory block
• Old unused data is cleared by the garbage collector

Practice Code

Run this to see memory behavior:

a = 10 
print("Value:", a, "Address:", id(a)) 

a = 20 
print("Value:", a, "Address:", id(a)) 

a = 30 
print("Value:", a, "Address:", id(a))

Observe the address changes.

Your Takeaway

You do not memorize memory addresses. You understand the idea. Python handles memory; you use names. This makes programming simple.

You now know:

• How data lives in memory
• Why variables exist
• How updates work internally

This builds a strong base for data types, functions, and advanced Python.

Further learning

• Variables in Python:
 https://www.consoleflare.com/blog/variables-in-python-a-complete-beginners-guide-with-examples/

• Data Types in Python:
https://www.consoleflare.com/blog/python-data-types-for-beginners/

• Getting Started with Python:
https://www.consoleflare.com/blog/getting-started-with-python/

• Python Official Docs Memory Management:
https://docs.python.org/3/c-api/memory.html

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