Difference between Variable and Constant

CharacteristicVariableConstant
DefinitionA variable is a symbol that represents a value that can change during program execution.A constant is a symbol that represents a fixed, unchanging value.
MutabilityCan be changed or reassigned during the execution of the program.Cannot be changed once assigned a value.
Declaration and InitializationMust be declared before use, and its value can be initialized at declaration or later in the code.Must be assigned a value at the time of declaration, and its value cannot be changed afterward.
Examplesint count = 5;const double PI = 3.14159;
Use CasesUsed for storing values that may vary or change during program execution.Used for storing fixed values or parameters that should not be modified.
Memory AllocationAllocates memory space to store the value.Allocates memory space to store the value, similar to variables.
SyntaxdataType variableName = value;const dataType constantName = value;

Variable in Programming

In programming, we often need a named storage location to store the data or values. Using variables, we can store the data in our program and access it afterward. In this article, we will learn about variables in programming, their types, declarations, initialization, naming conventions, etc.

Variables in Programming

Table of Content

  • What are Variables In Programming?
  • Declaration of Variables In Programming
  • Initialization of Variables In Programming
  • Types of Variables In Programming
  • Difference between Variable and Constant
  • Difference between Local variables and Global Variables
  • Naming Conventions
  • Scope of a variable

Similar Reads

What is a Variable in Programming?

Variable in Programming is a named storage location that holds a value or data. These values can change during the execution of a program, hence the term “variable.” Variables are essential for storing and manipulating data in computer programs. A variable is the basic building block of a program that can be used in expressions as a substitute in place of the value it stores....

Declaration of Variable in Programming:

In programming, the declaration of variables involves specifying the type and name of a variable before it is used in the program. The syntax can vary slightly between programming languages, but the fundamental concept remains consistent....

Initialization of Variable in Programming:

Initialization of variables In Programming involves assigning an initial value to a declared variable. The syntax for variable initialization varies across programming languages....

Types of Variable In Programming:

1. Global Variables:...

Difference between Variable and Constant:

CharacteristicVariableConstantDefinitionA variable is a symbol that represents a value that can change during program execution.A constant is a symbol that represents a fixed, unchanging value.MutabilityCan be changed or reassigned during the execution of the program.Cannot be changed once assigned a value.Declaration and InitializationMust be declared before use, and its value can be initialized at declaration or later in the code.Must be assigned a value at the time of declaration, and its value cannot be changed afterward.Examplesint count = 5;const double PI = 3.14159;Use CasesUsed for storing values that may vary or change during program execution.Used for storing fixed values or parameters that should not be modified.Memory AllocationAllocates memory space to store the value.Allocates memory space to store the value, similar to variables.SyntaxdataType variableName = value;const dataType constantName = value;...

Difference between Local variables and Global Variables:

CharacteristicGlobal VariablesLocal VariablesScope1Accessible throughout the entire codebaseConfined to the block, function, or scope of declaration.VisibilityAccessible by any part of the program, including functions, blocks, or modulesAccessible only within the limited context of declaration.LifetimeExist for the entire duration of the programIt exists only during the execution of the block or function.InitializationMay have a default value, can be initialized outside functions or blocksMay not have a default value, and must be explicitly initialized within the scope.Access from FunctionsAccessible directly from any function or blockDirectly accessible only within the declaring function...

Naming Conventions:

Naming conventions for variables In Programming help maintain code readability and consistency across programming projects. While specific conventions can vary between programming languages, some common practices are widely followed. Here are general guidelines for naming variables:...

Scope of a variable:

The scope of a variable in programming refers to the region of the program where the variable can be accessed or modified. It defines the visibility and lifetime of a variable within a program. There are typically two types of variable scope:...