Storing things.
WHAT A VARIABLE IS
A name referring to a value.
HOW IT WORKS
You assign a value to a name, then use the name.
WHAT PYTHON DOES DIFFERENTLY FROM SOME LANGUAGES
You do not declare a type.
The name simply refers to whatever you assigned.
WHAT THAT MEANS
A name can refer to a number, then later to text.
Possible, and usually a sign of confused code.
HOW TO NAME VARIABLES
Descriptively, in lowercase, with underscores between words.
WHY NAMING MATTERS
Code is read far more often than it is written.
A name explaining its purpose removes the need for a comment.
WHAT TO AVOID
Single letters, except for short loops Names that mislead Names differing only in case Reusing the same name for different purposes
WHAT NOT TO NAME THINGS
Anything matching a built-in name, which then becomes unavailable.
WHAT CONSTANTS LOOK LIKE
Names in capitals, by convention.
Python does not enforce it; the convention signals intent.
