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Computer Science for STEM: The PreTeXt Interactive Edition

Section 2.11 Updating Variables

One of the most common forms of reassignment is an update where the new value 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 new value. The new value of x is the old value of x plus 1. Although this assignment statement may look a bit strange, remember that executing assignment is a two-step process. First, evaluate the right-hand side expression. Second, let the variable name on the left-hand side refer to this new resulting object. The fact that x appears on both sides does not matter. The semantics of the assignment statement makes sure that there is no confusion as to the result. The visualizer makes this very clear.

Checkpoint 2.11.1.

x = 6
x = x + 1
If you try to update a variable that doesn’t exist, you get an error because Python evaluates the expression on the right side of the assignment operator before it assigns the resulting value to the name on the left. Before you can update a variable, you have to initialize it, usually with a simple assignment. In the above example, x was initialized to 6.
Updating a variable by adding 1 is called an increment; subtracting 1 is called a decrement. Sometimes programmers also talk about bumping a variable, which means the same as incrementing it by 1.
Check your understanding

Checkpoint 2.11.2.

    What is printed when the following statements execute?
    x = 12
x = x - 1
print(x)
  • 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.

Checkpoint 2.11.3.

    What is printed when the following statements execute?
    x = 12
x = x - 3
x = x + 5
x = x + 1
print(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.

Checkpoint 2.11.4.

Construct the code that will result in the value 134 being printed.

Note 2.11.5.

The shorthand x += 1 can be used to signify the same thing as x = x + 1, and other operators such as subtraction and multiplication can do this too.

Note 2.11.6.

This workspace is provided for your convenience. You can use this activecode window to try out anything you like.
You have attempted of activities on this page.
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