namespace (computer science)

In computer science and mathematics, a variable is a symbol denoting a quantity or symbolic representation. In mathematics, a variable often represents an unknown quantity; in computer science, it represents a place where a quantity can be stored. Variables are often contrasted with constants, which are known and unchanging. In other scientific fields such as biology, chemistry, and physics, the word variable is used to refer to a measurable factor, characteristic, or attribute of an individual or a system. In a s ...

Including:

• Variable - General overview
• Variable - Why are variables useful?
• Variable - Computer programming
• Variable - Variables names
• Variable - Scope and extent
• Variable - Typed and untyped variables
• Variable - Parameters
• Variable - Memory allocation
• Variable - Mutable vs. immutable
• Variable - Constants
• Variable - External link

Read more here: » Variable: Encyclopedia - Variable

In programming languages, a variable can be thought of as a place to store a value in computer memory. More precisely, a variable binds (associates) a name (sometimes called an identifier) with the location; a value in turn is stored as a data object in that location so that the object can be accessed later via the variable, much like refering to someone by name. Variables in computer programming are analogous to variables in mathematics. Put in another way, an object could exist without being bound to a variable, but without such a referent, it would be inaccessible from code. ...

See also:

Variable, Variable - General overview, Variable - Why are variables useful?, Variable - Computer programming, Variable - Variables names, Variable - Scope and extent, Variable - Typed and untyped variables, Variable - Parameters, Variable - Memory allocation, Variable - Mutable vs. immutable, Variable - Constants, Variable - External link

Read more here: » Variable: Encyclopedia II - Variable - Computer programming

Variables are useful in mathematics and computer programming because they allow instructions to be specified in a general way. If one were forced to use actual values, then the instructions would only apply in a more narrow, and specific set of situations. For example: specify a mathematical definition for finding the square of ANY number: square(x) = x · x. Now, all we need to do to find the square of a number is replace x with any number we want. square(x) = x · x = y square(1) = 1 · 1 = 1 square(2) = 2 · 2 = ...

See also:

Variable, Variable - General overview, Variable - Why are variables useful?, Variable - Computer programming, Variable - Variables names, Variable - Scope and extent, Variable - Typed and untyped variables, Variable - Parameters, Variable - Memory allocation, Variable - Mutable vs. immutable, Variable - Constants, Variable - External link

Read more here: » Variable: Encyclopedia II - Variable - Why are variables useful?