Assign and reassign variables in
Python
Previously, you've explored variables and how to assign and reassign them in Python. In this
reading, you'll expand your understanding of these topics. You’ll also learn about the general
practice of naming variables so that you can avoid syntax errors and improve code readability.
What are variables?
In a programming language, a variable is a container that stores data. It's a named storage
location in a computer's memory that can hold a value. It stores the data in a particular data type,
such as integer, string, or Boolean. The value that is stored in a variable can change.
You can think of variables as boxes with labels on them. Even when you change the contents of
a box, the label on the box itself remains the same. Similarly, when you change the value stored
in a variable, the name of the variable remains the same.
Security analysts working in Python will use a variety of variables. Some examples include
variables for login attempts, allow lists, and addresses.
Working with variables
In Python, it's important to know both how to assign variables and how to reassign them.
Assigning and reassigning variables
If you want to create a variable called username and assign it a value of "nzhao", place the
variable to the left of the equals sign and its value to the right:
# Assign 'username'
username = "nzhao"
If you later reset this username to "zhao2", you still refer to that variable container as
username.
# Reassign 'username'
username = "zhao2"
Although the contents have changed from "nzhao" to "zhao2", the variable username remains
the same.
Note: You must place "nzhao" and "zhao2" in quotation marks because they're strings.
Python automatically assigns a variable its data type when it runs. For example, when the
username variable contains the string "nzhao", it’s assigned a string data type.
Assigning variables to variables
Using a similar process, you can also assign variables to other variables. In the following
example, the variable username is assigned to a new variable old_username:
# Assign a variable to another variable
username = "nzhao"
old_username = username
Because username contains the string value of "nzhao" and old_username contains the value
of username, old_username now contains a value of "nzhao".
Putting it together
The following code demonstrates how a username can be updated. The username variable is
assigned an initial value, which is then stored in a second variable called old_username. After
this, the username variable is reassigned a new value. You can run this code to get a message
about the previous username and the current username:
1
2
3
4
5
username = "nzhao"
old_username = username
username = "zhao2"
print("Previous username:", old_username)
print("Current username:", username)
RunReset
Best practices for naming variables
You can name a variable almost anything you want, but there are a few guidelines you should
follow to ensure correct syntax and prevent errors:
Use only letters, numbers, and underscores in variable names. Valid examples: date_3,
username, interval2
Start a variable name with a letter or underscore. Do not start it with a number. Valid
examples: time, _login
Remember that variable names in Python are case-sensitive. These are all different
variables: time, Time, TIME, timE.
Don't use Python’s built-in keywords or functions for variable names. For example,
variables shouldn't be named True, False, or if.
Additionally, you should follow these stylistic guidelines to make your code easier for you and
other security analysts to read and understand:
Separate two or more words with underscores. Valid examples: login_attempts,
invalid_user, status_update
Avoid variables with similar names. These variables could be easily confused with one
another: start_time, starting_time, time_starting.
Avoid unnecessarily long names for variables. For instance, don't give variables names
like variable_that_equals_3.
Names should describe the data and not be random words. Valid examples:
num_login_attempts, device_id, invalid_usernames
Note: Using underscores to separate multiple words in variables is recommended, but another
convention that you might encounter is capitalizing the first letter of each word except the first
word. Example: loginAttempt
Key takeaways
It's important for security analysts to have a fundamental understanding of variables. Variables
are containers of data. They are assigned values and can also be reassigned other values or
variables. It's helpful to remember the best practices for naming variables in order to create more
functional, readable code.
Go to next item
Completed
