VARIABLES & OPERATORS IN PYTHON
3.1 Variables in Python
A variable is a name given to a memory location that stores a value. In Python, variables are created when
a value is assigned to them.
Example:
x = 10
name = "Ali"
pi = 3.14
Python is dynamically typed, which means you do not need to declare the data type explicitly.
3.2 Rules and Guidelines for Creating a Variable
Rules: - Variable names must start with a letter (a–z, A–Z) or underscore (_) - Cannot start with a number -
Cannot use Python keywords (if, for, while, etc.) - No spaces allowed
Guidelines (Best Practices): - Use meaningful names (e.g., total_marks instead of tm ) - Use lowercase
letters with underscores - Avoid single-character names except for counters
Valid Variables:
age = 20
_total = 100
student_name = "Sara"
Invalid Variables:
2marks = 90
student-name = "Ali"
3.3 Assignment Operator
The assignment operator (=) is used to assign a value to a variable.
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Example:
x = 5
y = x
Compound Assignment Operators:
x += 2 # x = x + 2
x -= 1 # x = x - 1
x *= 3 # x = x * 3
x /= 2 # x = x / 2
3.4 Multiple Assignments
Python allows assigning multiple values in a single line.
Example:
a, b, c = 10, 20, 30
Same Value Assignment:
x = y = z = 0
3.5 Use of Built-in Function (type)
The type() function is used to check the data type of a variable.
Example:
x = 10
print(type(x))
y = 3.14
print(type(y))
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3.6 Arithmetic Operators
Arithmetic operators are used to perform mathematical operations.
Operator Description Example
+ Addition 5+2=7
- Subtraction 5-2=3
* Multiplication 5 * 2 = 10
/ Division 5 / 2 = 2.5
** Exponent 2 ** 3 = 8
Example Code:
a = 10
b = 3
print(a + b)
print(a ** b)
3.7 Type Conversion vs Type Casting
Type Conversion (Implicit)
Automatically done by Python.
Example:
x = 5
y = 2.5
z = x + y
print(type(z))
Type Casting (Explicit)
Done by the programmer using functions.
Example:
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x = "10"
y = int(x)
Common casting functions: - int() - float() - str()
3.8 Boolean Operator
Boolean values represent True or False.
Example:
is_pass = True
print(type(is_pass))
Relational expressions also return Boolean values.
3.9 Logical & Comparison Operators
Comparison Operators
Used to compare two values.
Operator Meaning
== Equal to
!= Not equal to
> Greater than
< Less than
>= Greater than or equal to
<= Less than or equal to
Example:
x = 10
y = 5
print(x > y)
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Logical Operators
Used to combine conditional statements.
Operator Description
and True if both conditions are true
or True if any one condition is true
not Reverses the result
Example:
x = 10
y = 5
print(x > 5 and y < 10)
3.10 Exercise
1. Define a variable and give two examples.
2. Write rules for naming variables in Python.
3. Write a Python program to add two numbers using variables.
4. What is the use of type() function?
5. Differentiate between type conversion and type casting.
6. Write a program to demonstrate arithmetic operators.
7. Write examples of logical and comparison operators.