Variables in Python: A Complete Beginner’s Guide with Examples

What Do Python Variables Mean?

In the memory of your computer, a variable is comparable to a labeled box. To locate it later, you enter some data, such as a word or number, and give it a name. In fact, Python is very easy to use; all you need to do is choose a name, add a value, and it’s ready to use. There aren’t any extra steps, which is great for beginners.

Here’s a quick game I used to play when I first started:

Python

age = 23

print(age)

Output:

Text

23

What’s happening?

Your box’s label (the variable name) is age.
What’s inside (the value) is 23.

It’s similar to putting some chips in a box labeled “Snacks.” Later, do you need those chips? Simply take the box by its name.

Why Variables Can Change Everything.

In order to keep your move organized and prevent you from having to sort through chaos, variables are similar to those labeled boxes. They allow you to quickly fix issues, make your code look nice, and save you from typing the same things over and over again.

At first, I had a nightmare when I started out because I hardcoded numbers all over my code. As a result, fixing even one change became frustrating.

It was similar to writing “Buy snacks” on each notebook page. Variables would have saved me a great deal of trouble. Here’s why they’re fantastic:

Benefits of Using Variables in Python

No Need to Memorize: Simply enter large numbers or data into a variable rather than keeping track of them.

python

city_population = 300000

print(city_population)

• Use It a Million Times: Save a value once and retrieve it at any time.

python

age = 23

print(age)  

age = 28    

print(age)  

• Fix Stuff Fast: If something changes, you only update the variable once. I once had to change a number in like 12 spots in my code because I didn’t use variables. Trust me, it was not fun.

Naming Variables:

Don’t Repeat Dumb Mistakes

Labeling your moving boxes should be similar to naming variables in that you want to make it clear what’s inside. However, there are rules in Python, and I broke them all when I first started. To keep your code from becoming a disorganized mess, avoid these major mistakes.

Slip-Up 1: Capital Letter Chaos

Python is very particular about capital and lowercase letters. These variables are distinct:

python

age = 23

Age = 28

AGE = 31

print(age, Age, AGE)

Output:

text

23 28 31

What is going on? Age, Age, and AGE are three distinct boxes in Python. I once made the rookie error of mixing these up, which required hours of debugging.

Fix: Decide on a style and maintain it. I prefer lowercase letters with underscores because they are neat and professional:

python

user_age = 23

Slip-Up 2: Starting with a Number

This will not work:

python

1age = 23   

Why? Python freaks out because it can’t tell if you’re writing a name or a number.

Fix: Begin with an underscore or a letter:

python

age1 = 23   

_age = 23   

Slip-Up 3: Spaces or Weird Symbols

You should avoid these:

python

a ge = 23   

@age = 23   

And why? Python requires that names be a single, seamless word, similar to a label.

Fix: Instead, use underscores:

python

voting_age = 18

My Personal Favorite Naming Advice:

• Be clear: age = 23 provides you with precise information, whereas a = 23 is ambiguous.
  Consider Yourself a Label –  Just like you’re arranging your moving boxes, name variables. Your code is easier to read if your names are clear:

python

student_name = "Mia"

student_age = 24

student_course = "Python"

Code and bug fixes are made much easier with clear names, which are like a neatly packed box.

Placing Values in Variables

Python has a number of useful techniques for expanding your variable boxes.

Many Values, Several Variables

Setting various values for several variables in a single line is similar to labeling several boxes at once:

python

company, employees = "TechGlow", 200

print(company, employees)

Output:

text

TechGlow 200

How does it work? Python matches the values to the variables in order – first value to the first variable, second to the second. I use this trick to keep my code short and sweet.

2. Same Value, Multiple Variables

Want a bunch of variables to start with the same thing? No sweat:

python

company = firm = startup = "TechGlow"

print(company, firm, startup)

Output:

text

TechGlow TechGlow TechGlow

To put it another way, it’s a fast method of assigning the same value to several variables, similar to using the same tag to mark several boxes.

Using variables to make math easy

Variables make math feel like adding up your shopping list. I remember messing around with this when I was new, just to see how it worked:

python

a = 4

b = 16

total = a + b

print(total)

Output:

text

20

What’s happening? Python stores a (4) and b (16) in memory, then adds them up and enters the total. Python does the math, so you can relax and concentrate on the enjoyable things. It’s similar to adding up your gas and grocery expenses.

Updating Variable Values

Because of their extreme flexibility, variables can be changed at any time, much like a box’s label when its contents are changed. I tried the following small thing when I first started:

python

score = 50

print(score) 


score = score + 20  

print(score)  

How does it work? Python just swaps out the score box’s contents with the new value. No need to grab a new box – just update and keep going.

The Broad View

To put it briefly, variables, like your labeled boxes, keep your code organized and easy to understand. Code with clear names appears crisp and is very readable. Values can be stored in a single, multiple, or shared format. Python takes care of the tedious memory-related tasks so you can concentrate on creating interesting things. Although I didn’t understand the importance of variables as a beginner, they are now my go-to tool for preventing code from becoming completely disorganized.

Want to Keep Going?

More Beginner Guides:

• • Python Data Types for Beginners 

  • Getting Started with Python

Check This Out: Python Official Documentation – Variables

You’re now prepared to master variables and maintain the neatness of a well-organized code. Want to learn more about Python or have questions? Tell me, and we’ll continue the coding conversation. Keep up the good work!

Test Your Understanding of Python Variables with These Practice Questions

1. Question:  Create a variable called my_age and assign your age to it. Then print the value.

Expected Output Example:

25

2. Question: Assign the number 50 to a variable score. Print the updated score after increasing it by 10.

Expected Output:

60

Python 2025

Beginner Beginner Beginner

Sum: 25
Difference: 5
Product: 150

x = 5
y = 10