One of the most common forms of reassignment is an update where the newvalue of the variable depends on the old. For example,
x = x + 1
This means get the current value of x, add one, and then update x with the newvalue. The new value of x is the old value of x plus 1. Although this assignment statement maylook a bit strange, remember that executing assignment is a two-step process. First, evaluate theright-hand side expression. Second, let the variable name on the left-hand side refer to this newresulting object. The fact that x appears on both sides does not matter. The semantics of the assignmentstatement makes sure that there is no confusion as to the result. The visualizer makes this very clear.
x = 6
x = x + 1
If you try to update a variable that doesn’t exist, you get an error becausePython evaluates the expression on the right side of the assignment operatorbefore it assigns the resulting value to the name on the left.Before you can update a variable, you have to initialize it, usually with asimple assignment. In the above example, x was initialized to 6.
Updating a variable by adding 1 is called an increment; subtracting 1 iscalled a decrement. Sometimes programmers also talk about bumpinga variable, which means the same as incrementing it by 1.
Advanced Topics
Topic 1: Python Beyond the Browser. This is a gentleintroduction to using Python from the command line. We’ll cover thislater, but if you are curious about what Python looks like outside of thiseBook, you can have a look here. There are also instructions forinstalling Python on your computer here.
Topic 2: Dive Into Python 3,this is an online textbook by Mark Pilgrim. If you have already had someprogramming experience, this book takes you off the deep end withboth feet.
Check your understanding
- 12
- The value of x changes in the second statement.
- -1
- In the second statement, substitute the current value of x before subtracting 1.
- 11
- Yes, this statement sets the value of x equal to the current value minus 1.
- Nothing. An error occurs because x can never be equal to x - 1.
- Remember that variables in Python are different from variables in math in that they (temporarily) hold values, but can be reassigned.
What is printed when the following statements execute?
x = 12x = x - 1print(x)
- 12
- The value of x changes in the second statement.
- 9
- Each statement changes the value of x, so 9 is not the final result.
- 15
- Yes, starting with 12, subtract 3, than add 5, and finally add 1.
- Nothing. An error occurs because x cannot be used that many times in assignment statements.
- Remember that variables in Python are different from variables in math in that they (temporarily) hold values, but can be reassigned.
What is printed when the following statements execute?
x = 12x = x - 3x = x + 5x = x + 1print(x)
Construct the code that will result in the value 134 being printed.
mybankbalance = 100mybankbalance = mybankbalance + 34print(mybankbalance)
Note
This workspace is provided for your convenience. You can use this activecode window to try out anything you like.
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