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🏷️ Python Variable Names – Rules, Best Practices & Tips | TechTown.in

When you start coding in Python, you’ll quickly realize that variable names matter more than you might think. They’re not just labels — they define how readable, maintainable, and bug-free your code will be.

Let’s explore how to properly name variables in Python, understand the rules, and follow best practices so your code stands out!

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💬 What Is a Variable Name in Python?

In Python, a variable name is the identifier used to reference a value stored in memory.

username = "TechTown"
age = 25

Here, username and age are variable names. Simple, right? But there are some important rules and conventions you must follow.

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✅ Rules for Naming Variables in Python

Python has strict rules to define what is and isn’t a valid variable name.

✔️ Valid Variable Names

• Must start with a letter (A–Z, a–z) or an underscore (_)
• Can include letters, digits (0–9), and underscores
• Are case-sensitive (age, Age, and AGE are all different)
• Cannot be a Python keyword (like class, for, def, etc.)

❌ Invalid Variable Names

2name = "John"       # ❌ Cannot start with a number
user-name = "Amy"    # ❌ Hyphens are not allowed
class = "Math"       # ❌ 'class' is a reserved keyword

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🐍 Examples of Good Variable Names

Purpose	Good Name	Why?
User’s age	user_age	Descriptive, uses snake_case
Total cost	total_cost	Clear and meaningful
Login status	is_logged_in	Boolean-style clarity

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🔠 Case Sensitivity in Python Variables

Python treats uppercase and lowercase letters as different.

value = 10
Value = 20
print(value)  # 10
print(Value)  # 20

So always be careful with capitalization.

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🧠 Naming Conventions in Python

Python follows PEP 8 — a style guide that encourages:

🐍 Snake Case for Variables

student_name = "Tanmay"
current_score = 89

Use lowercase letters and separate words with underscores.

🔤 Use Meaningful Names

Avoid vague names like x, temp, or val unless it’s a quick test.

❌ a = 100
✅ discount_percentage = 100

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🚫 Reserved Keywords in Python

You cannot use the following as variable names:

and, as, assert, break, class, continue, def, del, elif, else,
except, False, finally, for, from, global, if, import, in,
is, lambda, None, nonlocal, not, or, pass, raise, return,
True, try, while, with, yield

Using any of these will throw a syntax error.

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👨‍💻 Quick Tips for Writing Better Variable Names

• ✅ Be descriptive, not cryptic (user_email, not ue)
• ✅ Stick to lowercase letters and underscores
• ✅ Choose names that reflect the purpose of the variable
• ❌ Don’t use abbreviations unless they’re standard (num_items, not ni)
• ❌ Don’t repeat the data type in the name (string_name is redundant)

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🧾 Summary: Do’s and Don’ts of Python Variable Naming

✅ Do This	❌ Avoid This
first_name, user_score	1name, val, class
Use snake_case	Avoid camelCase or UPPERCASE (unless constant)
Use meaningful identifiers	Don’t use vague labels like x, data, info

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📘 Conclusion

Knowing how to write clean and valid variable names in Python is a crucial coding skill. Not only does it help avoid syntax errors, but it also makes your code self-documenting, easier to read, and professional.

Keep these rules in mind and practice consistently — your future self (and your teammates) will thank you!

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💻 Ready to write better code? Keep learning Python the smart way on TechTown.in