# **Python Variables: A Complete Guide**
Variables in Python are used to store data values. Unlike some other programming
languages, Python is **dynamically typed**, meaning you don’t need to declare a
variable’s type explicitly.
---
## **1. Variable Basics**
### **Syntax:**
```python
variable_name = value
```
- No need for keywords like `var`, `let`, or `const` (as in JavaScript).
- Variable names are **case-sensitive** (`age ≠ Age`).
### **Example:**
```python
x = 10 # Integer
name = "Alice" # String
is_active = True # Boolean
```
---
## **2. Variable Naming Rules**
✅ **Allowed:**
- Letters (`a-z`, `A-Z`)
- Digits (`0-9`) but **not at the start**
- Underscore (`_`)
❌ **Not Allowed:**
- Start with a digit (`1var` ❌)
- Special characters (`@var` ❌)
- Python keywords (`if`, `for`, `while` ❌)
### **Examples:**
```python
age = 25 # Valid
user_name = "Bob" # Valid
1st_name = "Tom" # ❌ Invalid (starts with a digit)
```
---
## **3. Variable Types (Dynamic Typing)**
Python infers the type automatically.
You can check the type using `type()`.
| Type | Example |
|------|---------|
| `int` | `x = 10` |
| `float` | `y = 3.14` |
| `str` | `name = "Alice"` |
| `bool` | `is_valid = True` |
| `list` | `nums = [1, 2, 3]` |
| `tuple` | `point = (4, 5)` |
| `dict` | `person = {"name": "Bob"}` |
### **Example:**
```python
x = 5
print(type(x)) # Output: <class 'int'>
x = "Hello"
print(type(x)) # Output: <class 'str'> (type changed dynamically)
```
---
## **4. Multiple Assignment**
You can assign multiple variables in one line.
### **Example:**
```python
a, b, c = 1, 2, 3
print(a, b, c) # Output: 1 2 3
# Swap variables easily
x, y = 10, 20
x, y = y, x
print(x, y) # Output: 20 10
```
---
## **5. Constants (Convention)**
Python doesn’t enforce constants, but by **convention**, use uppercase names.
```python
PI = 3.14159
MAX_USERS = 100
```
---
## **6. Global vs Local Variables**
- **Local**: Inside a function (accessible only there).
- **Global**: Outside functions (accessible everywhere).
### **Example:**
```python
z = 100 # Global variable
def my_func():
z = 50 # Local variable (shadows global z)
print(z)
my_func() # Output: 50 (local)
print(z) # Output: 100 (global)
```
### **Modifying a Global Variable Inside a Function**
Use the `global` keyword.
```python
count = 0
def increment():
global count
count += 1
increment()
print(count) # Output: 1
```
---
## **7. Deleting a Variable**
Use `del` to remove a variable.
```python
x = 10
print(x) # Output: 10
del x
print(x) # ❌ Error: name 'x' is not defined
```
---
## **8. Variable Scope (LEGB Rule)**
Python resolves variable names in this order:
1. **L**ocal (inside function)
2. **E**nclosing (nested functions)
3. **G**lobal (module-level)
4. **B**uilt-in (Python keywords like `print`, `len`)
### **Example:**
```python
x = "global"
def outer():
x = "enclosing"
def inner():
x = "local"
print(x) # Output: "local"
inner()
print(x) # Output: "enclosing"
outer()
print(x) # Output: "global"
```
---
## **9. Best Practices**
✔ Use **descriptive names** (`user_age` instead of `ua`).
✔ Follow **snake_case** for variables (`user_name`).
✔ Avoid single letters (`x`, `y`) unless in loops/math.
✔ Use `UPPERCASE` for constants (`MAX_SIZE = 100`).
---
## **Summary Table**
| Concept | Example |
|---------|---------|
| **Declare** | `x = 10` |
| **Type** | `type(x)` → `<class 'int'>` |
| **Multiple Assign** | `a, b = 1, 2` |
| **Global** | `global var` |
| **Delete** | `del x` |
| **Constant** | `PI = 3.14` |
---
### **Key Takeaways**
✅ No explicit type declaration (dynamic typing).
✅ Case-sensitive names (`var ≠ Var`).
✅ `global` keyword modifies global variables inside functions.
✅ `del` removes a variable.
✅ Follow **snake_case** naming convention.
Would you like more details on any part? 😊
