FIT 100
© Copyright University of
Washington 1999-2000
Variables
vIn normal language, names are (usually) tightly fixed to their values
--
;“penny” means 1 cent … it doesn’t change its meaning, and sometimes
refer to $8.41 or a time zone or an action
vIn computing names can change values
;Example: Alpha and Bet in Alphabetize
CDs changed
;Names must change values in a program because programs specify
a transformation of input into output … as the transformation proceeds
the things named change values
vvariable is the term for
program names that can change value
Variables are analogous to titles in normal
language since titles are expected to change values: president, mayor, James Bond