CREATING VARIABLES IN C++
Computer Science
Programming is an art form that fights back
WHAT IS A VARIABLE?
A “variable” is like a container in a C++ program in which
a data value can be stored inside the computer’s
memory. The stored value can be referenced using the
variable’s name.
VARIABLE NAMES
A variable name may contain only letters, digits, and the
underscore character, but cannot begin with a digit.
It’s good practice to choose meaningful names to make
the code more comprehensible.
Names are case-sensitive in C++ so variables named
VAR, Var, and var are treated as three individual
variables.
Traditionally C++ variable names are lowercase and
seldom begin with an underscore as some C++ libraries
use that convention.
HOW DO I CREATE A NEW VARIABLE?
To create a new variable in a program it must be “declared,”
specifying the type of data it may contain and its chosen
name.
A variable declaration has this syntax:
data-type variable-name;
Multiple variables of the same data type can be created in a
single declaration as a comma-separated list with this syntax:
data-type variable-name1, variable-name2, variable name3;
THERE ARE FIVE BASIC DATA TYPES IN C++
Data Type: Description Example:
char A single byte, capable of holding one ‘A’
character
int An integer whole number 100
float A floating-point number, correct to six 0.123456
decimal places
double A floating-point number, correct to ten 0.0123456789
decimal places
bool A boolean value of true or false, or false or 0
numerically zero is false and any non-zero true or 1
is true
NOTES ON VARIABLES
Always begin boolean variable names with “is” so they
are instantly recognizable as booleans.
Also, use “lowerCamelCase” for all variable names that
comprise multiple words – where all except the first
word begin with uppercase, like “isTrue.”
VARIABLE DECLARATIONS
Variable declarations must appear before executable
statements so they will be available for reference within
statements.
When a value is assigned to a variable it is said to have
been “initialized.”
Optionally a variable may be initialized in its declaration.
The value stored in any initialized variable can be
displayed on standard output by the cout function.
A PROGRAM WITH VARIABLES
#include <iostream>
using namespace std;
int main()
{
char letter;
letter=‘A’; //declared then initialized
int number;
number=100;
float decimal=7.5; //declared AND initialized
double pi= 3.14159;
bool isTrue=false;
cout<<“char letter: “<<letter<<endl;
cout<<“int number: “<<number<<endl;
cout<<“float decimal: “<<decimal<<endl;
cout<<“double pi: “<<pi<<endl;
cout<<“bool isTrue: “<<isTrue<<endl;
}
PROGRAMS TO WRITE
Write a separate program for each type of variable listed
in the table in slide five.
Write a program that combines at least two types of
variables.
Write a program that combines every type of variable
listed in slide five.
Write one more program of your own design.
