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INTRO TO PYTHON VARIABLES AND DATA TYPES

WHAT IS A VARIABLE?

Variables are a way to store data in your program. A variable is given a simple name so that you are able to refer to the stored value later in your program. In order to give a variable a value you type the name of your new variable, an  “=”, and then the data you are going to store. For example, in the picture, the variable message has the value 'Hello World'.

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WHAT IS A DATA TYPE?

Data types are different types of data that you can use and store in a variable in your program. The data types we will learn about in Python include String, Integer, Float and Boolean.

STRINGS

Strings are anything between 2 quotes or between “ and ”. A string in Python can contain as many characters as you wish. A string can also be empty. In line 3 of the code we are combining different strings together. This action is called concatenation.

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INTEGERS AND FLOATS

The integer data type consists of zero, positive, and negative whole numbers. The float data type in Python is a floating-point number, which are just like decimals, but with a fancy name. For example, in the picture, the variable x is an integer and the variable y is a float.

BOOLEAN

A Boolean is a data type that can have a value of True or False. Notice the code and the output in the picture shown. Line 1 prints out False, because 6 is not greater than 16. Line 2 prints out True because 16 is greater than 6. Feel free to further explore the Boolean data type.

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CASTING

There may be times when you want to change the type of data a variable holds. This can be done with casting. Casting in Python can be done using the following code. There is more information on casting below.

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  • int() turns the variable into an integer. If you cast a string into an integer, make sure that only numbers are in the string otherwise the casting will cause an error (which no one wants!). If you cast a float into an integer, it will always round down rather than up. This can be observed in line 1 and 2.

  • float() turns the variable into a float. In line 3, an int is being cast into a float.

  • str() turns a variable into a string. In line 5, a float and int are being added together and then that turns into a string.

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GREAT JOB!

You have officially completed the second python activity!

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