Question

What will be displayed by the following program? my_value = 99 my_value = 0 print(my_value)

Short answer

```python my_value = 99 my_value = 0 print(my_value) ``` Answer: The output of the program will be 0.

Step-by-step solution

1. Initialize variable my_value

First, the variable my_value is initialized with a value of 99: my_value = 99.

2. Update variable my_value

Next, the program updates the value of the variable my_value to 0: my_value = 0.

3. Print the variable my_value

Lastly, the program prints the current value of the variable my_value: print(my_value). Since the latest value assigned to the variable my_value is 0, the output of the program will be 0.

Key concepts

Variable Initialization

In Python programming, understanding variable initialization is important. It's the process of allocating memory for a variable and giving it an initial value. In our example, we start by introducing the variable called `my_value`, and we initialize it by setting it equal to 99: ```python my_value = 99 ``` This tells the computer to store 99 in the memory space labeled `my_value`. The choice of number or data you choose during variable initialization heavily depends on what you intend to use it for. When one initializes a variable, it makes it ready and stores an initial value that programs can later use or modify. In Python, variable initialization ensures that variables are set up properly before being used in operations or displayed.

Variable Assignment

Variable assignment in Python refers to changing or updating the value stored in a variable after its initialization. Continuing with our example: ```python my_value = 0 ``` Initially, `my_value` was 99, but here it gets updated to 0. This new value replaces the old one, demonstrating how assignment works. Here are some important points about variable assignment:

• Operators like `=` are used to assign values.
• Values or expressions on the right are assigned to the variable on the left.
• Variables can store different types of data, like integers, strings, or lists.

In our script, even though `my_value` was initialized to 99 initially, the final assignment determines what value `my_value` will eventually hold, which is crucial for predicting program behavior.

Print Function

The print function in Python is vital for displaying output to users. It's a built-in Python function used to output text or variable values to the console. In our example, after assigning the variable `my_value`, we use the `print` function to show its value on the screen: ```python print(my_value) ``` This command will display `0` because that’s the most recent value assigned to `my_value`. Here’s what the print function helps accomplish:

• Display of strings or numbers in the console.
• Verification of variable values during debugging and testing.
• Communicating information to users in console-based programs.

Understanding the `print()` function is essential, as it helps you see how variables and operations are evolving within your program's flow. This feedback is crucial during development.