Variables, Constants & Assignments (AQA GCSE Computer Science)

• Taking an algorithm and turning it into code, in any language, requires an understanding of several basic programming concepts such as:
  • Variables
  • Constants
  • Assignment

What is a variable?

• A variable is a named memory location that holds data that during the execution of a program, the data can change
• Variables can store a variety of different types of data such as numbers, text or true/false values
• To store data in a variable, the process of assignment is used

What is a constant?

• A constant is fixed data that during the execution of a program cannot change
• A constant can store a variety of different types of data, similar to variables
• Pi is an example of a mathematical fixed value that would typically be stored as a constant

What is assignment?

• Assignment is the process of storing data in a variable or constant under a descriptive name
• Assignment is performed using the '=' symbol

Assigning variables & constants