python

Variables in Python

August 2, 2026 · #python#beginners#variables

Variables are one of the first ideas you meet in Python. They let you store values and reuse them later, including numbers, text, lists, and more.

Think of a variable as a labeled box. You put something in the box, give it a name, and use that name whenever you need the value.

Creating a variable

In Python you create a variable by writing a name, an equals sign, and a value:

age = 25
name = "Ada"

• age stores the number 25
• name stores the text "Ada"

You don’t need to declare a type. Python figures it out from the value.

Try it: store and print values

Edit the code if you like, then click Run:

python

name = "Techtonz" year = 2026 print(name) print(year) print(f"{name} is teaching Python in {year}")

Naming rules (keep these in mind)

Good variable names make your code easier to read.

Do:

• Use lowercase letters
• Separate words with underscores: first_name, total_score
• Choose names that describe the value

Don’t:

• Start with a number (1name is invalid)
• Use spaces (first name is invalid)
• Use Python keywords like if, for, class

Examples:

Valid	Invalid
score	2score
user_name	user-name
total	total amount

Changing a variable

You can update a variable by assigning a new value:

count = 1
count = count + 1

Or more briefly:

count = 1
count += 1

Try it: update a value

python

score = 10 print("Starting score:", score) score = score + 5 print("After bonus:", score) score += 2 print("After extra points:", score)

Common types you’ll use early

Type	Example	Meaning
int	age = 21	Whole number
float	price = 9.99	Decimal number
str	city = "Lagos"	Text
bool	is_active = True	True or False

Check a type with type():

x = 42
print(type(x))

Try it: inspect types

python

age = 21 price = 9.99 city = "Lagos" is_student = True print(type(age)) print(type(price)) print(type(city)) print(type(is_student))

Quick practice

Before you move on, try changing the examples above:

1. Change name to your own name and run again
2. Start score at 0 and add points in two steps
3. Create a variable for your favorite language and print it

What’s next

Once variables feel comfortable, the next step is working with strings and numbers. This involves combining text, doing math, and formatting output cleanly.

For a broader learning path, see:

• How to Learn Python Fast in 2026
• Getting Started with Python for Data Work: A Beginner’s Guide

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