variable in Python

[Jp Calderone]

On Thu, Apr 17, 2003 at 12:22:34PM +0200, Salvatore wrote:
> Hello,
> 
> I have a little doubt.
> when you declare x = 3
> does the variable x 'contains' the value 3 (like in Pascal)
> or does it contains an address which points to
> a memory place containing the value 3 ?

  Neither.  It is a statement (not a declaration) which binds the name "x"
to the integer object associated with the literal 3.  The variable does not
contain the object, it refers to it.  In this way, it is similar to a
pointer; however, note the difference: there is no explicit way to
"dereference" a Python reference, using it is exactly the same as using the
object it refers to; additionally, there is no concept of a "null"
reference.

  Hope this helps,

  Jp

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