View source for Variable (computer science)

In [[computer programming]], a '''variable''' or '''scalar''' is a storage location paired with an associated symbolic name (an identifier), which contains some known or unknown quantity or information referred to as a value.

== Description ==

The variable name is the usual way to reference the stored value; this separation of name and content allows the name to be used independently of the exact information it represents. 

The identifier in computer [[source code]] can be bound to a value during run time, and the value of the variable may thus change during the course of program execution.

== Comparison with variables in mathematics ==

Variables in programming may not directly correspond to the concept of [[Variable_(mathematics)|variables in mathematics]]. The value of a computing variable is not necessarily part of an [[equation]] or [[formula]] as in [[mathematics]]. 

In computing, a variable may be employed in a repetitive process -- assigned a value in one place, then used elsewhere, then reassigned a new value and used again in the same way; see [[iteration (computing)]].

Variables in [[computer programming]] are frequently given long names to make them relatively descriptive of their use, whereas variables in mathematics often have terse, one- or two-character names for brevity in transcription and manipulation.

== See also ==

* [[Constant (computer programming)]]
* [[Data (computing)]]
* [[Data type]]
* [[Free variables and bound variables]]
* [[Iteration (computing)]]
* [[Name binding]]
* [[Namespace]]
* [[PHP variable]]
* [[String (computer science)]]
* [[Value (computer science)]]
* [[Variable (mathematics)]]

== External links ==

* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Variable_(computer_science) Variable (computer science)] @ Wikipedia

[[Category:Computer programming]]
[[Category:Computer science]]