Assignments in Python

Basic Assignment

The most common form of assignment in Python uses the equal sign (=). The expression on the right side of the equal sign is evaluated, and the resulting value is assigned to the variable on the left side.

Python

x = 10

name = "Alice"

is_student = True

Multiple Assignment

Python allows assigning values to multiple variables simultaneously:

Python

a, b, c = 1, 2, 3

Augmented Assignment

Python provides augmented assignment operators for performing an operation and assigning the result back to the same variable in a concise way:

Python

x = 5

x += 3  # Equivalent to x = x + 3

print(x)  # Output: 8

Other augmented assignment operators include:

• -= (subtract and assign)

• *= (multiply and assign)

• /= (divide and assign)

• //= (floor divide and assign)

• %= (modulo and assign)

• **= (exponent and assign)

Sequence Unpacking

You can unpack values from sequences (like lists, tuples) into variables:

Python

my_list = [10, 20, 30]

x, y, z = my_list

print(x, y, z)  # Output: 10 20 30

Important Points

• Assignment creates a reference to an object, not a copy.

• The right side of the assignment is evaluated before the assignment takes place.

• Augmented assignment operators can improve code readability.

• Sequence unpacking is a powerful way to handle multiple values at once.

Example

Python

# Basic assignment

age = 30

# Augmented assignment

count = 5

count += 2  # Increment count by 2

# Sequence unpacking

coordinates = (3, 7)

x, y = coordinates

# Multiple assignment

a = b = c = 10

By understanding these assignment concepts, you can effectively manipulate variables and data in your Python programs.