Week 2

Variables: Computer Treasure Boxes

Aim: Make the computer store words and numbers, then use them again.

New coding words

variable
value
name
integer
string

What the coding words mean

variable: A named place where a program stores information. A variable name cannot contain spaces.
value: The information stored inside a variable.
name: The label given to a variable, such as robot_name.
integer: A whole number without a decimal point, such as 8.
string: Text written inside quotation marks, such as "Robo-Pal".

Code along

Store information in variables

Run this program here to see how variables store information. Edit a value and run it again.

Your Python code.py

Tab indents. Esc then Tab leaves the editor. Ctrl/⌘ + Enter runs your code.

Output (Shell)What your program does

Select Run my code to try this program.

Opening your coding space…Each activity has its own saved code.

Spot the coding words

What is happening in the program?

age = 8 - age is the variable name and 8 is its integer value.
name = "Ada" - name is the variable name and "Ada" is its string value.
age = 9 shows that a variable's value can change.

Mini project

Superhero Profile Card

Invent a superhero, store the facts in variables and print a profile card.

Your Python code.py

Tab indents. Esc then Tab leaves the editor. Ctrl/⌘ + Enter runs your code.

Output (Shell)What your program does

Select Run my code to try this program.

Opening your coding space…Each activity has its own saved code.

Your mini-project to-do list

0 of 4 completed

Complete these activities in the mini-project editor above. After each change, select Run my code to check your program’s output or drawing.

Level 1: Change every value to create your own hero.Level 2: Add a sidekick variable.Level 3: Add a weakness and a catchphrase.

Save your finished mini project

Select Download my work and save the file as week_2_superhero_profile_card.py. The .py ending tells us that the file contains Python code. Keep this file as a copy of your finished program.

Debugging detective

In your mini-project code: Change hero_name to hero name. Why does the space cause a problem? Repair it with an underscore. Select Run my code after each change to check your program’s output or drawing.

Knowledge check

Question 1

Python codescore = 10

What is the variable name?

score10

Question 2

Python codepet = "dog"

What value is stored?

"dog"pet

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How are you getting on so far?

My checklist

Finished Week 2?

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