Assignment operator

Definition

An assignment operator in Python is used to assign a value to a variable. The most common assignment operator is the equals sign (=).

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The syntax for using the assignment operator is: variable_name = value.
2. Assignment operations are right-associative, meaning the right-hand side is evaluated first.
3. Multiple variables can be assigned in one line: x = y = z = 0.
4. Augmented assignment operators (e.g., +=, -=) combine an operation with assignment.
5. Assignment does not create a copy of mutable objects; it creates a reference.

Review Questions

• What is the purpose of the assignment operator in Python?
• How do you perform an augmented assignment operation to add and assign in one step?
• Explain what happens when you use multiple assignments like x = y = z = 0.

Related terms

Variable:

A storage location identified by a name that holds data which can be modified during program execution.

Expression:

A combination of values and functions that are evaluated to produce another value.

=: The most common assignment operator used to assign the value on its right to the variable on its left.