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Variables Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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variables

[ˈvɛːrɪəb(ə)l ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

computer programming

Variables are symbols or names that represent a value in a program. They can hold different types of data and their values can change during the execution of the program.

Synonyms

identifiers, placeholders, symbols.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
variables

Used in mathematics and programming to represent values that can change. Commonly found in equations, functions, and algorithms.

  • In the equation y = mx + b, both x and y are variables.
  • You need to declare variables before using them in a program.
placeholders

Used in various contexts such as templates, forms, and programming to temporarily hold a place for a variable or value that will be specified later. Can also be found in printed documents and graphical design.

  • In a template, {name} is a placeholder that will be replaced with the actual name.
  • Use underscores as placeholders until you find the actual data.
identifiers

Used primarily in programming to name elements such as variables, functions, classes, etc. Must follow specific naming conventions in different programming languages.

  • The identifier 'myVar' is used to store the value.
  • Good identifiers are descriptive and make code easier to understand.
symbols

Can refer to a variety of representations including special characters in mathematics, notation in programming, and icons in graphical interfaces. Often used to represent operations, functions, or other specific meanings.

  • In mathematics, π is a symbol representing the number pi.
  • In some programming languages, the $ symbol is used to denote variables.

Examples of usage

  • Before using a variable in a program, it needs to be declared and assigned a value.
  • Variables are essential in programming as they allow for dynamic storage and manipulation of data.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Mathematics

  • In math, variables are often represented by letters, like 'x' or 'y', to represent unknown numbers.
  • They enable equations to describe relationships between quantities, helping to solve problems and make predictions.

Programming

  • In computer programming, variables store information that can change as a program runs, like the score in a game.
  • Naming conventions for variables, such as 'camelCase' or 'snake_case', help make code clearer and more organized.

Science

  • In scientific experiments, variables can be dependent, independent, or controlled, helping to understand how changes affect outcomes.
  • By manipulating variables, scientists can discover cause-and-effect relationships in their research.

Psychology

  • Variables help psychologists measure behaviors and thoughts, like how different situations affect mood or stress levels.
  • Understanding variables can assist in formulating effective therapies by identifying what factors influence mental health.

Economics

  • In economics, variables such as supply and demand help explain market behaviors and how prices fluctuate.
  • Economic models often rely on multiple variables to predict future trends and inform policy decisions.

Origin of 'variables'

The term 'variable' originated from the Latin word 'variabilis', which means 'changeable'. In the context of computer programming, the concept of variables was introduced to allow for the dynamic manipulation of data within a program. Over time, variables have become a fundamental concept in programming languages, enabling developers to write more flexible and powerful code.

See also: invariable, variableness, variably.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,988, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.