What Are Python Variables and How Do You Use Them?

Hey everyone,

I’m just getting started with Python (coming from learning HTML), and I keep seeing the term “Python variables” used everywhere. I get the general idea that they store information, but I’m not exactly sure how they work, especially when it comes to images, files, or data.

Could someone explain Python variables in plain English, with a few useful examples? Bonus points if you show how they work in a real script!

Thanks!

You’re right: Python variables are everywhere in Python code. They’re one of the most fundamental concepts in the language, and understanding them clearly will make everything else much easier, especially as you start working with images, file uploads, or automation.

Let’s break this down step by step.

A variable in Python is just a name that refers to a piece of data stored in memory. Think of it like a labeled box: you can store something in it, look inside later, or replace the contents. Python does all the heavy lifting, no need to declare a data type (unlike in Java or C++).

message = "Hello, world!"

print(message)Code language: PHP (php)

Here:

• message is the variable name.
• "Hello, world!" is the value assigned to it.
• The = sign assigns the value to the variable.

Python will remember that message now equals "Hello, world!".

Python can store many types of data in variables:

Type	Example
String	name = "Cloudinary"
Integer	count = 10
Float	price = 19.99
Boolean	is_active = True
List	colors = ["red", "blue"]
Dictionary	user = {"name": "Jane"}

Variables can also store the result of a function, the content of a file, or even the response from an API, which is super helpful for workflows.

Let’s say you’re using Python to upload an image to Cloudinary.

Here’s what that might look like with variables:

import cloudinary

import cloudinary.uploader

# Cloudinary config using variables

cloud_name = "your-cloud-name"

api_key = "your-api-key"

api_secret = "your-api-secret"

cloudinary.config(

  cloud_name = cloud_name,

  api_key = api_key,

  api_secret = api_secret

)

# Store file name in a variable

file_to_upload = "my_photo.jpg"

# Upload image using variable

upload_result = cloudinary.uploader.upload(file_to_upload)

# Store the secure URL in a variable

image_url = upload_result["secure_url"]

print("Image uploaded to:", image_url)Code language: PHP (php)

In this example, variables are used to:

• Hold your Cloudinary credentials.
• Track the file name of the image.
• Store the upload response.
• Access and print the resulting image URL.

Python variables aren’t just for text or files, you can also store numbers and do calculations:

width = 1920

height = 1080

aspect_ratio = width / height

print("Aspect ratio:", aspect_ratio)Code language: PHP (php)

Want to resize images based on dimensions? Variables like these come in handy for automation.

You can reassign variables any time:

color = "blue"

color = "green"

print(color)  # Outputs: greenCode language: PHP (php)

Variables hold the latest value they’ve been assigned.

However, it’s important to remember that you should never reassign a variable with a different data type. Since Python is a dynamically typed language, you can easily cause errors if variables are changed to another data type. For example, if you have a function that is designed to take a string as an input, but color is now an integer, you’ll get an error instead.

Python is flexible with naming, but good habits matter. Follow these rules:

• Use lowercase letters, with underscores for spacing: image_url, user_name.
• Be descriptive: file_path, not just fp.
• Don’t use reserved words (like if, class, import).
• Avoid starting with numbers or special characters.

You’ll often create variables inside functions or loops. These variables only exist within their “scope”; they’re temporary unless returned or passed elsewhere.

def get_image_name():

    name = "sample.jpg"  # local variable

    return name

image_name = get_image_name()

print(image_name)Code language: PHP (php)

This kind of pattern is common in all programming languages–knowing the scope of your Python variables is key to preventing errors in bigger projects.

Without variables, your code becomes hard to manage:

cloudinary.uploader.upload("file.jpg")["secure_url"]

This works, but if you want to print the URL later, reuse it, or manipulate it… You’re stuck. Variables make code reusable, testable, and easier to maintain, especially as your scripts grow more complex.

Concept	Summary
What is it?	A name that stores a value
Syntax	name = value
Types	String, int, float, list, dict, bool, etc.
Use cases	Credentials, file names, responses, math
Real-world use	Great for scripting Cloudinary uploads

Once you’re comfortable assigning and reusing Python variables, your code becomes more powerful and easier to read. Whether you’re dynamically uploading images, organizing metadata, or running scheduled tasks, variables help keep everything clean and consistent.