assignment statement in coding

• Assignment Statement

An Assignment statement is a statement that is used to set a value to the variable name in a program .

Assignment statement allows a variable to hold different types of values during its program lifespan. Another way of understanding an assignment statement is, it stores a value in the memory location which is denoted by a variable name.

The symbol used in an assignment statement is called as an operator . The symbol is ‘=’ .

Note: The Assignment Operator should never be used for Equality purpose which is double equal sign ‘==’.

The Basic Syntax of Assignment Statement in a programming language is :

variable = expression ;

variable = variable name

expression = it could be either a direct value or a math expression/formula or a function call

Few programming languages such as Java, C, C++ require data type to be specified for the variable, so that it is easy to allocate memory space and store those values during program execution.

data_type variable_name = value ;

In the above-given examples, Variable ‘a’ is assigned a value in the same statement as per its defined data type. A data type is only declared for Variable ‘b’. In the 3 rd line of code, Variable ‘a’ is reassigned the value 25. The 4 th line of code assigns the value for Variable ‘b’.

Assignment Statement Forms

This is one of the most common forms of Assignment Statements. Here the Variable name is defined, initialized, and assigned a value in the same statement. This form is generally used when we want to use the Variable quite a few times and we do not want to change its value very frequently.

Tuple Assignment

Generally, we use this form when we want to define and assign values for more than 1 variable at the same time. This saves time and is an easy method. Note that here every individual variable has a different value assigned to it.

(Code In Python)

Sequence Assignment

(Code in Python)

Multiple-target Assignment or Chain Assignment

In this format, a single value is assigned to two or more variables.

Augmented Assignment

In this format, we use the combination of mathematical expressions and values for the Variable. Other augmented Assignment forms are: &=, -=, **=, etc.

Browse more Topics Under Data Types, Variables and Constants

• Concept of Data types
• Built-in Data Types
• Constants in Programing Language 
• Access Modifier
• Variables of Built-in-Datatypes
• Declaration/Initialization of Variables
• Type Modifier

Few Rules for Assignment Statement

Few Rules to be followed while writing the Assignment Statements are:

• Variable names must begin with a letter, underscore, non-number character. Each language has its own conventions.
• The Data type defined and the variable value must match.
• A variable name once defined can only be used once in the program. You cannot define it again to store other types of value.
• If you assign a new value to an existing variable, it will overwrite the previous value and assign the new value.

FAQs on Assignment Statement

Q1. Which of the following shows the syntax of an  assignment statement ?

• variablename = expression ;
• expression = variable ;
• datatype = variablename ;
• expression = datatype variable ;

Answer – Option A.

Q2. What is an expression ?

• Same as statement
• List of statements that make up a program
• Combination of literals, operators, variables, math formulas used to calculate a value
• Numbers expressed in digits

Answer – Option C.

Q3. What are the two steps that take place when an  assignment statement  is executed?

• Evaluate the expression, store the value in the variable
• Reserve memory, fill it with value
• Evaluate variable, store the result
• Store the value in the variable, evaluate the expression.

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Different Forms of Assignment Statements in Python

We use Python assignment statements to assign objects to names. The target of an assignment statement is written on the left side of the equal sign (=), and the object on the right can be an arbitrary expression that computes an object.

There are some important properties of assignment in Python :-

• Assignment creates object references instead of copying the objects.
• Python creates a variable name the first time when they are assigned a value.
• Names must be assigned before being referenced.
• There are some operations that perform assignments implicitly.

Assignment statement forms :-

1. Basic form:

This form is the most common form.

2. Tuple assignment:

When we code a tuple on the left side of the =, Python pairs objects on the right side with targets on the left by position and assigns them from left to right. Therefore, the values of x and y are 50 and 100 respectively.

3. List assignment:

This works in the same way as the tuple assignment.

4. Sequence assignment:

In recent version of Python, tuple and list assignment have been generalized into instances of what we now call sequence assignment – any sequence of names can be assigned to any sequence of values, and Python assigns the items one at a time by position.

5. Extended Sequence unpacking:

It allows us to be more flexible in how we select portions of a sequence to assign.

Here, p is matched with the first character in the string on the right and q with the rest. The starred name (*q) is assigned a list, which collects all items in the sequence not assigned to other names.

This is especially handy for a common coding pattern such as splitting a sequence and accessing its front and rest part.

6. Multiple- target assignment:

In this form, Python assigns a reference to the same object (the object which is rightmost) to all the target on the left.

7. Augmented assignment :

The augmented assignment is a shorthand assignment that combines an expression and an assignment.

There are several other augmented assignment forms:

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What is an Assignment Statement: Explained with Examples

• by Jackie Hobbs
• October 23, 2023

Welcome to our blog post on assignment statements ! If you’re new to programming or just dipping your toes into the world of coding, you may be wondering what exactly an assignment statement is. Simply put, an assignment statement is a fundamental concept in programming that allows us to assign values to variables.

In this blog post, we will explore what assignment statements are, how they work, and why they are essential in programming. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced programmer, this post will provide you with a solid understanding of assignment statements using examples and real-world applications .

So, if you’re ready to dive into the world of assignment statements and discover the power they hold, let’s get started!

What is an Assignment Statement? Explain with an Example

An assignment statement is a fundamental concept in programming that involves giving a value to a variable. In simpler terms, it’s like giving a name to a particular storage space in the computer’s memory and storing something in it. Let’s dive deeper and explore this concept with an example!

Declaring Variables

Before we jump into assignment statements, let’s talk about variable declaration. In programming, variables are like containers used to store data. Think of them as labeled boxes where you can keep different things.

To declare a variable, you typically use syntax like this:

python num_apples = 5

Here, we declared a variable called num_apples and assigned it the value of 5 . Now, every time we refer to num_apples in our code, it will represent the value 5 .

The Assignment Statement

Now that we have our variable, let’s explore assignment statements. An assignment statement is used to update or change the value of a variable.

Imagine we’re in a magical universe where apples multiply themselves overnight. We can update the value of num_apples using an assignment statement like this:

python num_apples = num_apples * 2

This statement takes the current value of num_apples , which is 5 , multiplies it by 2 , and reassigns the result back to num_apples . So now, num_apples becomes 10 .

Using Assignment Statements in Real-Life Scenarios

Assignment statements are incredibly versatile and are used in numerous programming scenarios. Let’s explore a couple of examples to understand their practical applications better.

Example 1: Calculating the Area of a Rectangle

Imagine you’re writing a program to calculate the area of a rectangle. You can start by assigning values to the length and width variables:

python length = 10 width = 5

Next, you can use an assignment statement to calculate the area by multiplying the length and width:

python area = length * width

And there you have it! The variable area now holds the value 50 , which represents the calculated area of the rectangle.

Example 2: Simple String Manipulation

Assignment statements are not limited to numbers; they work with other data types too. Let’s say you want to create a greeting message by combining two strings:

python first_name = “John” last_name = “Doe”

By using the concatenation operator ( + ), you can combine the two strings and assign the result to a new variable called greeting :

python greeting = “Hello, ” + first_name + ” ” + last_name + “!”

Now, greeting holds the value "Hello, John Doe!" . Isn’t that neat?

Assignment statements are essential in programming as they allow us to store and update data in variables. By using them, we can manipulate values, perform calculations, and create dynamic programs. So embrace the magic of assignment statements and let your code come to life!

Happy coding in 2023 and beyond! 🚀

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Assignment Statements

What is an assignment.

An assignment in programming refers to the process of giving a value to a variable. It allows us to store and manipulate data in computer memory. In simpler terms, it’s like giving a name to a storage location in our code and putting something inside it.

How many types of assignment operators are there

In programming, we have several assignment operators. The most commonly used one is the equal sign (=), which assigns a value to a variable. However, there are also compound assignment operators, such as +=, -=, *=, and /=, which combine an operation and assignment in a single step.

What is the assignment operator

The assignment operator (=) is used to assign a value to a variable. It takes the value on the right side and stores it in the variable on the left side. It’s like playing the role of Santa Claus, delivering a gift to a variable and making it jolly.

What are assignment statements in Python

In Python, assignment statements are used to assign values to variables. They consist of the variable name, the assignment operator, and the value that we want to assign. For example, x = 5 assigns the value 5 to the variable named ‘x’.

What are the characteristics of a good assignment

A good assignment statement should be clear, meaningful, and accurate. It should use variable names that are descriptive and convey the purpose of the stored value. It’s like giving a name to a puppy – you want it to be cute and reflect its personality!

What is the relationship between an assignment statement and an expression statement

An assignment statement is a type of statement that includes an expression. The expression on the right side of the assignment operator is evaluated, and its resulting value is assigned to the variable on the left side. So, while an assignment statement includes an expression, not all expression statements are assignment statements.

What is an assignment statement, explain with an example

An assignment statement is a line of code that assigns a value to a variable. For example, let’s say we have a variable called name , and we want to assign the value “John” to it. We would write: name = "John" . This assigns the value “John” to the variable name .

How do you structure an assignment

To structure an assignment, you need a variable name on the left side of the assignment operator, followed by the assignment operator (=), and then the value or expression you want to assign on the right side. For example, x = 10 assigns the value 10 to the variable x .

Can homework kill you

Well, homework might not be deadly, but it can certainly feel like it! Don’t worry, though – taking breaks, managing your time wisely, and seeking help when needed can make homework much more manageable. And remember, your mental well-being is important too!

What is an assignment operator? Give an example.

An assignment operator is used to assign a value to a variable. The most commonly used assignment operator is the equal sign (=). For example, x = 5 assigns the value 5 to the variable x . It’s like a diligent worker bee buzzing around, making sure the values are assigned correctly.

What is called i 5 assignment

Apologies, but I’m not familiar with the concept of an “i 5 assignment.” However, if you’re referring to assigning the value 5 to a variable named ‘i’, you would write i = 5 . That’s a standard assignment statement. If there’s a particular concept or context you’re referring to, please provide more details!

What makes an assignment valid

An assignment is considered valid when it follows the syntax rules of the programming language and assigns a value to a variable in a correct and meaningful way. It should use valid variable names, proper assignment operators, and have a well-formed expression or value on the right side of the operator.

What are the 5 types of writing

The five main types of writing are:

• Narrative: Tells a story or recounts events.
• Descriptive: Paints a vivid picture using sensory details.
• Expository: Explains or informs about a specific topic.
• Persuasive: Convinces or argues for a particular position.
• Creative: Expresses original ideas and explores imagination.

Each type of writing serves different purposes and requires its own unique approach and style.

How do you start an assignment

To start an assignment, begin by understanding the task at hand. Read the instructions carefully and make sure you grasp the requirements. Next, brainstorm ideas, create an outline, and gather relevant information. Once you have a clear plan, you can start writing! Remember to break the task down into manageable chunks and set realistic deadlines to stay organized.

What does “!=” mean in Python

In Python, “!=” is the inequality operator. It checks if two values are not equal. For example, 5 != 10 evaluates to True because 5 is not equal to 10. Think of “!=” as a little detective that compares values and tells you if they’re different.

Stay tuned for more FAQ-style content and keep exploring the fascinating world of programming! Happy coding!

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• fundamental concept
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• Intro to Programming Logic  > 

Assignment Statements

Assignment statements in a program come in two forms – with and without mutations. Assignments without mutation are those that give a value to a variable without using the old value of that variable. Assignments with mutation are variable assignments that use the old value of a variable to calculate a value for the variable.

For example, an increment statement like x = x + 1 MUTATES the value of x by updating its value to be one bigger than it was before. In order to make sense of such a statement, we need to know the previous value of x .

In contrast, a statement like y = x + 1 assigns to y one more than the value in x . We do not need to know the previous value of y , as we are not using it in the assignment statement. (We do need to know the value of x ).

Assignments without mutation

We have already seen the steps necessary to process assignment statements that do not involve variable mutation. Recall that we can declare as a Premise any assignment statement or claim from a previous proof block involving variables that have not since changed.

For example, suppose we want to verify the following program so the assert statement at the end will hold (this example again eliminates the Logika mode notation and the necessary import statements, which we will continue to do in subsequent examples):

Since none of the statements involve variable mutation, we can do the verification in a single proof block:

Note that we did need to do AndI so that the last claim was y == z ∧ y == 6 , even though we had previously established the claims y == z and y == 6 . In order for an assert to hold (at least until we switch Logika modes in chapter 10), we need to have established EXACTLY the claim in the assert in a previous proof block.

Assignments with mutation

Assignments with mutation are trickier – we need to know the old value of a variable in order to reason about its new value. For example, if we have the following program:

Then we might try to add the following proof blocks:

…but then we get stuck in the second proof block. There, x is supposed to refer to the CURRENT value of x (after being incremented), but both our attempted claims are untrue. The current value of x is not one more than itself (this makes no sense!), and we can tell from reading the code that x is now 5, not 4.

To help reason about changing variables, Logika has a special Old(varName) function that refers to the OLD value of a variable called varName , just before the latest update. In the example above, we can use Old(x) in the second proof block to refer to x ’s value just before it was incremented. We can now change our premises and finish the verification as follows:

By the end of the proof block following a variable mutation, we need to express everything we know about the variable’s current value WITHOUT using the Old terminology, as its scope will end when the proof block ends. Moreover, we only ever have one Old value available in a proof block – the variable that was most recently changed. This means we will need proof blocks after each variable mutation to process the changes to any related facts.

Variable swap example

Suppose we have the following program:

We can see that this program gets two user input values, x and y , and then swaps their values. So if x was originally 4 and y was originally 6, then at the end of the program x would be 6 and y would be 4.

We would like to be able to assert what we did – that x now has the original value from y , and that y now has the original value from x . To do this, we might invent dummy constants called xOrig and yOrig that represent the original values of those variables. Then we can add our assert:

We can complete the verification by adding proof blocks after assignment statements, being careful to update all we know (without using the Old value) by the end of each block:

Notice that in each proof block, we express as much as we can about all variables/values in the program. In the first proof block, even though xOrig and yOrig were not used in the previous assignment statement, we still expressed how the current values our other variables compared to xOrig and yOrig . It helps to think about what you are trying to claim in the final assert – since our assert involved xOrig and yOrig , we needed to relate the current values of our variables to those values as we progressed through the program.

Last modified by: Julie Thornton Apr 25, 2024

Variable Assignment

To "assign" a variable means to symbolically associate a specific piece of information with a name. Any operations that are applied to this "name" (or variable) must hold true for any possible values. The assignment operator is the equals sign which SHOULD NEVER be used for equality, which is the double equals sign.

The '=' symbol is the assignment operator. Warning, while the assignment operator looks like the traditional mathematical equals sign, this is NOT the case. The equals operator is '=='

Design Pattern

To evaluate an assignment statement:

• Evaluate the "right side" of the expression (to the right of the equal sign).
• Once everything is figured out, place the computed value into the variables bucket.

We've already seen many examples of assignment. Assignment means: "storing a value (of a particular type) under a variable name" . Think of each assignment as copying the value of the righthand side of the expression into a "bucket" associated with the left hand side name!

Read this as, the variable called "name" is "assigned" the value computed by the expression to the right of the assignment operator ('=');

Now that you have seen some variables being assigned, tell me what the following code means?

The answer to above questions: the assignment means that lkjasdlfjlskdfjlksjdflkj is a variable (a really badly named one), but a variable none-the-less. jlkajdsf and lkjsdflkjsdf must also be variables. The sum of the two numbers held in jlkajdsf and lkjsdflkjsdf is stored in the variable lkjasdlfjlskdfjlksjdflkj.

Examples of builtin Data and Variables (and Constants)

For more info, use the "help" command: (e.g., help realmin);

Examples of using Data and Variable

Pattern to memorize, assignment pattern.

The assignment pattern creates a new variable, if this is the first time we have seen the "name", or, updates the variable to a new value!

Read the following code in English as: First, compute the value of the thing to the right of the assignment operator (the =). then store the computed value under the given name, destroying anything that was there before.

Or more concisely: assign the variable "name" the value computed by "right_hand_expression"