Mastering Python Basics: Variables, Literals, and Data Types

Unlocking the Power of Python: Variables and Literals

Variables: The Building Blocks of Programming

In programming, a variable is a container that holds data, allowing you to store and manipulate values. Think of it as a labeled box where you can store a value. For instance, number is a variable storing the value 10. In Python, you can assign a value to a variable using the assignment operator =.

Assigning Values with Ease

Python’s flexibility shines when assigning values to variables. You don’t need to explicitly define the variable type; Python automatically infers it. For example, site_name = 'programiz.pro' assigns a string value to the site_name variable.

Changing the Game: Updating Variable Values

Need to update a variable’s value? No problem! Python lets you reassign a new value to a variable. For instance, changing site_name from 'programiz.pro' to 'apple.com'.

Multiple Assignments Made Easy

Want to assign the same value to multiple variables at once? Python’s got you covered. Simply separate the variables with commas, like this: site1, site2 = 'programiz.com', 'programiz.com'.

The Dos and Don’ts of Variable Names

When creating variable names, keep these rules in mind:

• Use a combination of letters, digits, or underscores.
• Choose names that make sense, like vowel instead of v.
• Use underscores to separate words in a variable name.
• Python is case-sensitive, so num and Num are different variables.
• Avoid using keywords like if, True, or class as variable names.

Literals: The Raw Materials of Programming

Literals are fixed values in a program, such as numbers, characters, or strings. They’re often used to assign values to variables or constants. For example, 'Hello, World!', 12, 23.0, or 'C'.

Numeric Literals: The Number Crunchers

Numeric literals come in three flavors: Integer, Float, and Complex.

• Integer literals are whole numbers, like 5, -11, or 0.
• Floating-point literals contain decimal parts, such as 2.5, 6.76, or -9.45.
• Complex literals represent complex numbers, like 6+9j or 2+3j.

String Literals: The Text Masters

In Python, strings are wrapped in quotation marks and can be created using single or double quotes. For example, "Hello, World!" or 'Hello, World!'.

Boolean, Character, and Special Literals

Python also has:

• Boolean literals: True and False.
• Character literals: Unicode characters enclosed in quotes, like 'S'.
• Special literal None, used to specify a null variable.

Collection Literals: The Power of Groups

Python offers four collection literals: List, Tuple, Dict, and Set. These allow you to group values together, making it easier to work with data. For example, a list of fruits, a tuple of numbers, a dictionary of alphabets, or a set of vowels.

With this solid foundation in variables and literals, you’re ready to take your Python skills to the next level!