Variable - GCSE Computer Science Definition

Reviewed by: James Woodhouse

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What is a variable?

In GCSE Computer Science, a variable is a named memory location that holds data that can change during the execution of a program. Variables can store a variety of different types of data such as integers, strings or boolean values. 

To store data in a variable, the process of assignment is used. A variable will have an identifier (name) and will then be assigned a value. Some programming languages will also declare the data type of the variable. Some examples of declaring a variable and assigning it a string value of “Save My Exams” have been included below in various languages:

Language

Code

Python

name = "Save My Exams"

Visual Basic

Dim name As String

name = "Save My Exams"

Java

String name = "Save My Exams";

Pseudocode

name ← "Save My Exams"

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James Woodhouse

Reviewer: James Woodhouse

Expertise: Computer Science Lead

James graduated from the University of Sunderland with a degree in ICT and Computing education. He has over 14 years of experience both teaching and leading in Computer Science, specialising in teaching GCSE and A-level. James has held various leadership roles, including Head of Computer Science and coordinator positions for Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. James has a keen interest in networking security and technologies aimed at preventing security breaches.

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