Variables and data
types
2
Lesson Objectives
Students will learn about:
Significance of variables and constants in programming
Different data types
Estimating the size of a data file
Sequence of thinking process of a programmer
Input and output statements in Python programming language
1.
Content
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Why do we need variables?
The representation of real-time components of a problem into
variables allows us to represent the problem in such a way that it can
be solved by a computer program.
Here is a simple mathematical problem. A plumber earns $20 per
hour. In addition to that he earns a bonus of $50 for each job he
completes. In a week, if he works for 22 hours and earns $740
including a bonus, how many jobs does he complete in that week?
Can you represent the this problem in terms of variables?
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Why do we need variables?
A plumber earns $20 per hour. In Let number of project completed is n.
addition to that he earns a bonus Total hourly rate = $20 x 22 = $440
of $50 for each job he completes.
Total bonus = $50 x n = 50n
In a week, if he works for 22
hours and earns $740 including a Total income = $740 = 50n+440
bonus, how many jobs does he 50n=740-440
complete in that week?
50n=300
n=6
The plumber completes 6 jobs in a week.
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Variables
Use of variable n has made this problem simpler and permits the use of a
computer program to solve this problem.
Variables are labels that are used to represent values stored in computer
memory.
Declaration of variables in a program is essential as the correct amount of
space in memory is allocated by the compiler.
The value of the variable can be changed during execution.
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Constants
Constants are labels that are used to represent values stored in computer
memory that remain unchanged during the execution of a program.
For example: pi(=3.142) is a constant used to calculate the radius and
circumference of a circle.
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Example
pi=3.142
Python program to calculate
the area and circumference radius = float(input('Enter the radius of circle: '))
of circle is given. Perimeter=2*pi*radius
Constant pi is assigned the Area = pi*radius*radius
value of 3.142. print("Perimeter of circle is: %.2f" %Perimeter)
The value of radius is stored print("Area of circle is: %.2f" %Area)
in the variable radius.
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Example
pi=3.142
Output:
radius = float(input('Enter the radius of circle: '))
Perimeter=2*pi*radius
Area = pi*radius*radius
print("Perimeter of circle is: %.2f" %Perimeter)
print("Area of circle is: %.2f" %Area)
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Data types
To allocate memory for a variable, a program must know how much
memory is to be allocated.
The main types of data used in computer programming are:
a) Integer
b) Real
c) Boolean
d) Character
e) String
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Integer and Real data types
A positive or negative whole number used
int_num = int(50) #declaring as integer
in mathematical operations.
float_num=float(50) #declaring as float
A positive or negative number that allows
decimals and fractions in mathematical print("integer num= ",int_num)
operations. print("float num= ",float_num)
Python program to understand the
difference between integer and real
number (float) is given.
# symbol is used in Python programming
language to add comments.
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Data types
Boolean: A Boolean data type accepts only two values: TRUE or FALSE.
Character: A variable or constant that allocates space for a character.
For example: S,d, $, etc
String: A variable or constant that allows several characters in length.
This is used to store names, telephone numbers, etc.
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Assigning values
In Python, = symbol is used to assign values to variables and constants.
Some programming languages use == symbol to assign values.
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Declaring variables
Programming languages require each and every variable and constant
to be declared at the start of the program.
This is done to allocate the required amount of memory for that variable
or constant.
It is also important to initialise a variable or constant to avoid usage of
previously stored values in a location. Not initialising a variable may
result in wrong answers.
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Declaring variables
In Python programming language, the variables are assigned when the
first data is entered to it.
The variables are typecast by using commands such as float, int or str to
make them a floating-point, integer or string value. For example:
radius = float(input('Enter the radius of circle: '))
In the above statement radius is typecast as floating-point variable.
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Amount of memory required
Integer 2 or 4 bytes (can also be set to other values:1 to 8 bytes)
Real 4 or 8 bytes
Boolean 1 bit
Character 1 byte
String No limits (User may choose according to requirements)
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Estimating size of a data file
To estimate the size of a data file, the data size for each field is added and
multiplied by the number of records in the file.
A file contains details of 1000 students:
student’s identity number of 7 digits
student’s name (up to 20 characters)
mother’s name (up to 20 characters)
father’s name (up to 20 characters)
address (up to 30 characters)
telephone number (up to 11 digits)
email address (up to 30 characters)
total percentage in final exams
a Boolean data type representing whether the student is promoted or not.
Estimate the size of this file.
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Field Type Size Field Type Size
student’s identity Percentage in final exams Real 4B
string 7B
number
Promoted to next level Boolean 1 bit =1/8 B
student’s name string 20 B
mother’s name string 20 B Maximum space required for
142.125 B
each student
father’s name string 20 B
Multiplied by number of 142125 B =
Address string 30 B students 142.125 KB
telephone number string 11 B
Adding 10% for overheads
156.3375 KB
(14.2125 KB)
email address string 30 B
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Input and Output
In lesson 1, we learnt the input-process-output model a computer.
This is how a program works.
It takes input from the user, processes it and then displays the
output.
Input Process Output
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Sequence of thinking
process of a programmer
As a programmer, we have to think about the outputs required.
Using this, we analyse the inputs necessary to generate the
required output.
Once inputs and outputs are decided, then we decide about the
process that can be used.
Output Input Process
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Input and Output
statements
In Python programming language, num1=int(input('Enter the first number '))
the variables are typecast during num2=int(input('Enter the second number '))
the input statements.
print ('The sum is ', num1+num2)
The output statement is used to
display output.
A simple Python program to
calculate the sum of two numbers
is given.
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Let’s review some concepts
Variables Constants Data types
Integer
Variables are labels that are used Constants are labels that are
Real
to represent values stored in used to represent values stored
Boolean
computer memory. in computer memory that remain
Character
unchanged during the execution
String
of a program.
Initialising a variable Estimating size of a data file Typecasting in Python
It is important to initialise a To estimate the size of a data file, The variables are typecast by
variable or constant to avoid the data size for each field is using commands such as float,
usage of previously stored values added and multiplied by the int or str to make them a
in a location. Not initialising a number of records in the file. floating-point, integer or string
variable may result in wrong value.
answers.
2.
Activity
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Activity-1
Duration: 15 minutes
1. Estimate the size of a data file, that contains details of 3000
employees: employee identity number of 5 digits, employee’s name
(up to 20 characters), address (up to 30 characters), telephone
number (up to 11 digits), email address (up to 30 characters),
department (up to 15 characters) and salary.
3.
End of topic questions
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End of topic questions
1. How are constants different from variables?
2. Why is it important to declare variables?
3. What are the different data types available in Python
programming language for storing numbers? How much memory
does each of these data types occupy?
4. What data type is used to store a sentence?
5. What is typecasting?
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End of topic questions
6. In what sequence, does a programmer think to create a
program?
7. How are comments added in Python programming language?
Why are comments used in a program?
