Pure Programmer
Blue Matrix


Cluster Map

Variables

Named constants are fine for values that never change during the execution of our programs but we also need to have symbols that represent values that do change as our program runs. Variables are symbols that we set up for such purposes. A variable can not only be initialized to a value when it is created, but can be changed as often as we need. Think of a variable as a box or container that has a name drawn on its side. The name of the variable always stays the same, but what is inside the box can be changed.

Variables Illustration
Variables

Types

Declaration Syntax

Named constants must be initialized to a specific value when they are declared. Once initialized, they can not have their value changed during the execution of the program. Examples of statements used to declare variables are illustrated below.


Variable Declaration Example

Assignment

The thing that separates variables from constants is that we can change their value at any point in the program. This is done with an assignment statement. Assignment statements consiste of the variable name, the equals sign, and a new value for the variable. Examples of statements used to assign new values to a variable are illustrated below.

denominator = 1.2;
current_tax_rate = 0.075;
i = 4;
errorMsg = "Error 403!";

Variable Assignment Example

Questions

  1. Who?
  2. What?
  3. Where?

Projects

More ★'s indicate higher difficulty level.

References