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3.1 Variables and Assignments

Part of Big Idea 3: Algorithms & Programming in AP® Computer Science Principles. Read the opening section, then create a free account for the full interactive lesson, practice, and progress tracking.

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Understanding Variables in Programming

A variable is a fundamental concept in programming that serves as an abstraction for storing a value. It acts as a named container that holds information, allowing a program to reference and manipulate data. A variable can store a single value or a collection of values such as lists or arrays. The ability to change the stored value makes variables essential for dynamic computing.

In this unit

18 lessons

  1. 3.1Variables and AssignmentsThis lesson
  2. 3.2Data AbstractionPreview lesson
  3. 3.3Mathematical Expressions in ProgrammingPreview lesson
  4. 3.4StringsPreview lesson
  5. 3.5Boolean ExpressionsPreview lesson
  6. 3.6ConditionalsPreview lesson
  7. 3.7Nested ConditionalsPreview lesson
  8. 3.8IterationPreview lesson
  9. 3.9Developing AlgorithmsPreview lesson
  10. 3.10ListsPreview lesson
  11. 3.11Binary SearchPreview lesson
  12. 3.12Calling ProceduresPreview lesson
  13. 3.13Developing ProceduresPreview lesson
  14. 3.14LibrariesPreview lesson
  15. 3.15Random ValuesPreview lesson
  16. 3.16SimulationsPreview lesson
  17. 3.17Algorithmic EfficiencyPreview lesson
  18. 3.18Undecidable ProblemsPreview lesson

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