Python Course

Lesson 2 of 8

Variables and Data Types

Learn how to store and work with different types of data in Python

Learning Objectives

Understand what variables are and how to create them
Learn about different data types (strings, numbers, booleans)
Practice naming variables properly
Use variables in simple programs

What are Variables?

Think of variables as labeled boxes where you can store information. Just like you might put toys in a box labeled "Toys" or books in a box labeled "Books", variables let you store data with a name so you can use it later.

Creating Your First Variable:

# Creating variables is easy!
name = "Alex"
age = 12
favorite_color = "blue"

print("My name is", name)
print("I am", age, "years old")
print("My favorite color is", favorite_color)

Different Types of Data

Python can work with different types of information. Here are the main types you'll use:

Strings (Text)

Words, sentences, or any text

name = "Python"
message = "Hello World!"
letter = "A"

Numbers

Whole numbers or decimals

age = 12
height = 5.5
score = 100

Booleans

True or False values

is_student = True
likes_pizza = False
is_raining = True

Rules for Naming Variables

Good Variable Names

student_name = "Sarah"
favorite_number = 7
is_homework_done = True
player_score = 250

• Use descriptive names
• Use underscores for spaces
• Start with letters

Avoid These Names

x = "Sarah"        # Not descriptive
2name = "Bob"      # Can't start with number
my-age = 12        # No dashes allowed
class = "Math"     # Reserved word

• Too short or unclear
• Starting with numbers
• Using special characters

Practice Exercise

Create Your Own Variables

Try creating variables to store information about yourself. Copy this code into Spyder and fill in your own information:

# Fill in your information
my_name = "Your Name Here"
my_age = 0  # Put your age
favorite_subject = "Your Favorite Subject"
has_pet = True  # Change to False if you don't have a pet
favorite_number = 0  # Pick any number

# Print your information
print("Hi! My name is", my_name)
print("I am", my_age, "years old")
print("My favorite subject is", favorite_subject)
print("Do I have a pet?", has_pet)
print("My favorite number is", favorite_number)

Fun Challenge

Variable Math

Variables can do math too! Try this:

# Math with variables
apples = 5
oranges = 3
total_fruit = apples + oranges

print("I have", apples, "apples")
print("I have", oranges, "oranges")
print("Total fruit:", total_fruit)

# Try changing the numbers and see what happens!

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