Python Tutorials

Python - Variables and Data Types

Variables and Data Types in Python

In Python programming, a variable is a named reference to a memory location associated with a value, This means that it is a storage for some data that can be used and modified within a given code.

Unlike other programming languages, Python variables are dynamically typed, meaning you don't need to declare their type explicitly—it is inferred based on the value assigned.

Variable Naming Rules

Following are the variable naming rules:

  1. A variable in Python must start with a letter or underscore (_).
  2. A variable can contain letters, numbers, and underscores but cannot contain spaces or special characters.
  3. In Python, a variable must not be a reserved keyword (e.g., def, class, etc.).

Key Features of Variable

  • Dynamic Typing: Variables can change their type based on the value assigned.
x = 10       # x is an integer
x = "Hello"  # Now x is a string
  • No Explicit Declaration: Python does not require explicit declaration of a variable's type before assignment.
y = 42  # Python infers the type of y as integer
  • Case Sensitivity: Variable names are case-sensitive.
name = "Alice"
Name = "Bob"
print(name)  # Outputs: Alice
  • Memory Management: Python automatically handles memory allocation and garbage collection.

Data Types in Python

Python provides several built-in data types. Let's explore some of the commonly used types and their usage.

Primitive Data Types

Primitive data types in Python are the basic building blocks of data representation, representing single values without additional functionality. These types are simple and immutable, meaning their value cannot be changed after they are created.

Numeric Data types:

In Python, the numeric data types contain three types of data: int, float, and complex.

  1. int: integer value (a = 10)
  2. float: decimal value (a = 10.5)
  3. complex: complex number ( 2 + 3j)

Boolean Type

It represents true and false and can be used in logical operations.

is_active = True

String Type

It is represented by the str keyword. It is an immutable sequence of characters.

greeting = "Hello, World!"

Non-Primitive Data Types

In Python, non-primitive data types are more complex data structures built using primitive data types. They allow the storage of multiple values, often of different types, in an organized and flexible way. These types are mutable or immutable and enable advanced data manipulation.

List

It is an ordered, mutable collection of elements.

fruits = ["apple", "banana", "cherry"]

Set

It is an ordered, mutable collection of unique elements.

unique_numbers = {1, 2, 3, 4, 4}

Tuple

It is an ordered, immutable collection of elements.

coordinates = (10, 20)

Dictionary (dict)

It is the collection of the key-value pairs.

user = {"name": "Alice", "age": 25}

Understanding variables and data types in Python is fundamental to writing efficient, readable, and robust code.

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Python

Beginner 5 Hours

Variables and Data Types in Python

In Python programming, a variable is a named reference to a memory location associated with a value, This means that it is a storage for some data that can be used and modified within a given code.

Unlike other programming languages, Python variables are dynamically typed, meaning you don't need to declare their type explicitly—it is inferred based on the value assigned.

Variable Naming Rules

Following are the variable naming rules:

  1. A variable in Python must start with a letter or underscore (_).
  2. A variable can contain letters, numbers, and underscores but cannot contain spaces or special characters.
  3. In Python, a variable must not be a reserved keyword (e.g., def, class, etc.).

Key Features of Variable

  • Dynamic Typing: Variables can change their type based on the value assigned.
python
x = 10       # x is an integer
x = "Hello"  # Now x is a string
  • No Explicit Declaration: Python does not require explicit declaration of a variable's type before assignment.
python
y = 42  # Python infers the type of y as integer
  • Case Sensitivity: Variable names are case-sensitive.
python
name = "Alice"
Name = "Bob"
print(name)  # Outputs: Alice
  • Memory Management: Python automatically handles memory allocation and garbage collection.

Data Types in Python

Python provides several built-in data types. Let's explore some of the commonly used types and their usage.

Primitive Data Types

Primitive data types in Python are the basic building blocks of data representation, representing single values without additional functionality. These types are simple and immutable, meaning their value cannot be changed after they are created.

Numeric Data types:

In Python, the numeric data types contain three types of data: int, float, and complex.

  1. int: integer value (a = 10)
  2. float: decimal value (a = 10.5)
  3. complex: complex number ( 2 + 3j)

Boolean Type

It represents true and false and can be used in logical operations.

python
is_active = True

String Type

It is represented by the str keyword. It is an immutable sequence of characters.

python
greeting = "Hello, World!"

Non-Primitive Data Types

In Python, non-primitive data types are more complex data structures built using primitive data types. They allow the storage of multiple values, often of different types, in an organized and flexible way. These types are mutable or immutable and enable advanced data manipulation.

List

It is an ordered, mutable collection of elements.

python
fruits = ["apple", "banana", "cherry"]

Set

It is an ordered, mutable collection of unique elements.

python
unique_numbers = {1, 2, 3, 4, 4}

Tuple

It is an ordered, immutable collection of elements.

python
coordinates = (10, 20)

Dictionary (dict)

It is the collection of the key-value pairs.

python
user = {"name": "Alice", "age": 25}

Understanding variables and data types in Python is fundamental to writing efficient, readable, and robust code.

Related Tutorials

Frequently Asked Questions for Python

Python is commonly used for developing websites and software, task automation, data analysis, and data visualisation. Since it's relatively easy to learn, Python has been adopted by many non-programmers, such as accountants and scientists, for a variety of everyday tasks, like organising finances.


Python's syntax is a lot closer to English and so it is easier to read and write, making it the simplest type of code to learn how to write and develop with. The readability of C++ code is weak in comparison and it is known as being a language that is a lot harder to get to grips with.

Learning Curve: Python is generally considered easier to learn for beginners due to its simplicity, while Java is more complex but provides a deeper understanding of how programming works. Performance: Java has a higher performance than Python due to its static typing and optimization by the Java Virtual Machine (JVM).

Python can be considered beginner-friendly, as it is a programming language that prioritizes readability, making it easier to understand and use. Its syntax has similarities with the English language, making it easy for novice programmers to leap into the world of development.

To start coding in Python, you need to install Python and set up your development environment. You can download Python from the official website, use Anaconda Python, or start with DataLab to get started with Python in your browser.

Learning Curve: Python is generally considered easier to learn for beginners due to its simplicity, while Java is more complex but provides a deeper understanding of how programming works.

Python alone isn't going to get you a job unless you are extremely good at it. Not that you shouldn't learn it: it's a great skill to have since python can pretty much do anything and coding it is fast and easy. It's also a great first programming language according to lots of programmers.

The point is that Java is more complicated to learn than Python. It doesn't matter the order. You will have to do some things in Java that you don't in Python. The general programming skills you learn from using either language will transfer to another.


Read on for tips on how to maximize your learning. In general, it takes around two to six months to learn the fundamentals of Python. But you can learn enough to write your first short program in a matter of minutes. Developing mastery of Python's vast array of libraries can take months or years.


6 Top Tips for Learning Python

  • Choose Your Focus. Python is a versatile language with a wide range of applications, from web development and data analysis to machine learning and artificial intelligence.
  • Practice regularly.
  • Work on real projects.
  • Join a community.
  • Don't rush.
  • Keep iterating.

The following is a step-by-step guide for beginners interested in learning Python using Windows.

  • Set up your development environment.
  • Install Python.
  • Install Visual Studio Code.
  • Install Git (optional)
  • Hello World tutorial for some Python basics.
  • Hello World tutorial for using Python with VS Code.

Best YouTube Channels to Learn Python

  • Corey Schafer.
  • sentdex.
  • Real Python.
  • Clever Programmer.
  • CS Dojo (YK)
  • Programming with Mosh.
  • Tech With Tim.
  • Traversy Media.

Python can be written on any computer or device that has a Python interpreter installed, including desktop computers, servers, tablets, and even smartphones. However, a laptop or desktop computer is often the most convenient and efficient option for coding due to its larger screen, keyboard, and mouse.

Write your first Python programStart by writing a simple Python program, such as a classic "Hello, World!" script. This process will help you understand the syntax and structure of Python code.

  • Google's Python Class.
  • Microsoft's Introduction to Python Course.
  • Introduction to Python Programming by Udemy.
  • Learn Python - Full Course for Beginners by freeCodeCamp.
  • Learn Python 3 From Scratch by Educative.
  • Python for Everybody by Coursera.
  • Learn Python 2 by Codecademy.

  • Understand why you're learning Python. Firstly, it's important to figure out your motivations for wanting to learn Python.
  • Get started with the Python basics.
  • Master intermediate Python concepts.
  • Learn by doing.
  • Build a portfolio of projects.
  • Keep challenging yourself.

Top 5 Python Certifications - Best of 2024
  • PCEP (Certified Entry-level Python Programmer)
  • PCAP (Certified Associate in Python Programmer)
  • PCPP1 & PCPP2 (Certified Professional in Python Programming 1 & 2)
  • Certified Expert in Python Programming (CEPP)
  • Introduction to Programming Using Python by Microsoft.

The average salary for Python Developer is ₹5,55,000 per year in the India. The average additional cash compensation for a Python Developer is within a range from ₹3,000 - ₹1,20,000.

The Python interpreter and the extensive standard library are freely available in source or binary form for all major platforms from the Python website, https://www.python.org/, and may be freely distributed.

If you're looking for a lucrative and in-demand career path, you can't go wrong with Python. As one of the fastest-growing programming languages in the world, Python is an essential tool for businesses of all sizes and industries. Python is one of the most popular programming languages in the world today.

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