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Java Variables
Last Updated : 20 Apr, 2026
In Java, variables are containers used to store data in memory. Variables define how data is stored,
accessed, and manipulated. A variable in Java has three components,
Data Type: Defines the kind of data stored (e.g., int, String, float).
Variable Name: A unique identifier following Java naming rules.
Value: The actual data assigned to the variable.
class Geeks {
public static void main(String[] args) {
// Declaring and initializing variables
// Integer variable
int age = 25;
// String variable
String name = "GeeksforGeeks";
// Double variable
double salary = 50000.50;
// Displaying the values of variables
[Link]("Age: " + age);
[Link]("Name: " + name);
[Link]("Salary: " + salary);
}
}
Output
Age: 25
Name: GeeksforGeeks
Salary: 50000.5
Declaration
The image below demonstrates how we can declare a variable in Java:
[Link] w w .[Link]/java/variables-in-java/ 1/5
5/12/26, 1:05 PM Java Variables - GeeksforGeeks
Variable Declaration
From the image, it can be easily perceived that while declaring a variable, we need to take care of two
things that are data type of the variable and name.
Initialization
It can be perceived with the help of 3 components explained above:
Variable Initialization
Example: Here, we are initializing variables of different types like float, int and char.
class Geeks{
public static void main(String[] args) {
// Declaring and initializing variables
// Initializing float variable
float si = 5.5f;
// Initializing integer variables
int t = 10;
int s = 20;
[Link] w w .[Link]/java/variables-in-java/ 2/5
5/12/26, 1:05 PM Java Variables - GeeksforGeeks
// Initializing character variable
char var = 'h';
// Displaying the values of the variables
[Link]("Simple Interest: " + si);
[Link]("Speed: " + s);
[Link]("Time: " + t);
[Link]("Character: " + var);
}
}
Output
Simple Interest: 5.5
Speed: 20
Time: 10
Character: h
Naming Rule 's of Java Variables
Start with a Letter, $, or _ – Variable names must begin with a letter (a–z, A–Z), dollar sign $, or
underscore _.
No Keywords: Reserved Java keywords (e.g., int, class, if) cannot be used as variable names.
Case Sensitive: age and Age are treated as different variables.
Use Letters, Digits, $, or _ : After the first character, you can use letters, digits (0–9), $, or _.
Meaningful Names: Choose descriptive names that reflect the purpose of the variable (e.g.,
studentName instead of s).
No Spaces: Variable names cannot contain spaces.
Follow Naming Conventions: Typically, use camelCase for variable names in Java (e.g., totalMarks).
Related articles:
Scope of Variables in Java
Types of Variables
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5/12/26, 1:05 PM Java Variables - GeeksforGeeks
Variables and Primitive DataTypes Visit Course
Suggested Quiz 5 Questions
Which of the following is true about variable names in Java?
A Variable names can start with a number
B Variable names can contain special characters like @ or #
C Variable names are case-sensitive
D Variable names can be a Java keyword
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