Definition: Something that is variable.
Alright class, settle down, let’s take a look!
You’ve stumbled upon a word – “variables” – and the dictionary gives you a clue, quite true! "Something that is variable." But what does
that
really mean for you?
Let's think about it like this: Imagine you have a box.
(Pause for effect)
That box can hold different things, right? Sometimes it holds a number – let’s say five! Sometimes it holds your name - "Sarah"! And sometimes it holds the color blue!
A
variable
is just like that box in programming. It's a named storage spot where we can put information – numbers, words, even more complicated things – and then
change
what’s inside it while our program is running.
It’s a label for a value that might shift and flow,
Like changing weather, or a seed about to grow!
We give variables names so we can easily find them when we need to use their contents. Think of it like giving your box a little sign – "My Number Box," or “Sarah’s Name.”
Does that make a bit more sense? Don't worry if it doesn't click immediately. We’ll be exploring variables further as we learn about different programming concepts. Now, who can give me an example of what might be stored in a variable?