Names and Values in Python

The following is a short talk about variables, names and assignments and how slight differences in the implementation of standard functions affect the behavior of objects in Python and more.

Content

• Warm up
  • Lessons
• Mutable vs. Immutable
  • Immutable types
  • Mutable types
• References > Names
  • What are references?
  • Ok. Interesting. So what?

Lessons

• Names are assigned values that have a type

• A name cannot be assigned to other name

• An assignment never copies data

• Immutable objects can’t change their value, mutable objects can change through modifying or rebinding

Sources

• Ned Batchelder - Facts and Myths about Python names and values - PyCon 2015: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AEJHKGk9ns&t=775s

• Assignment statements - Python Reference Manual: https://docs.python.org/2.0/ref/assignment.html