Variable initialization: Difference between revisions
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'''Initialization''' is when we give a variable a value. | '''Initialization''' is when we give a variable a value. | ||
In most statically-typed languages, we must first declare (create) the variable before we can give it a value. In some languages like [[Python]], however, we can initialize any variable without needing to first declare it. | In most [[Static typing|statically-typed]] languages, we must first [[Variable declaration|declare]] (create) the [[variable]] before we can give it a [[value]]. In some languages like [[Python]], however, we can initialize any variable without needing to first [[Variable declaration|declare]] it. | ||
== How does it differ from assignment? == | == How does it differ from assignment? == | ||
[[Assignment]] is also the process of giving a [[variable]] a [[value]]. So what's the difference? | [[Assignment]] is also the process of giving a [[variable]] a [[value]]. So what's the difference? | ||
[[Assignment]] is whenever we '''change''' the [[value]] of any [[variable]], while '''initialization''' is '''only when it is first given a value'''. | [[Assignment]] is whenever we '''change''' the [[value]] of any [[variable]], while '''initialization''' is '''only when it is first given a [[value]]'''. | ||
This means that '''initialization''' is a ''type'' of [[assignment]]. | This means that '''initialization''' is a ''type'' of [[assignment]]. | ||
== Example: declaration and initialization in C == | == Example: declaration and initialization in [[C]] == | ||
<syntaxhighlight lang="c"> | <syntaxhighlight lang="c"> | ||
int a; // declaration: we create the 'a' variable | int a; // declaration: we create the 'a' variable | ||
Latest revision as of 17:17, 9 August 2025
Variable declaration and variable initialization are two separate terms but are often confused.
What is initialization?
edit edit sourceInitialization is when we give a variable a value.
In most statically-typed languages, we must first declare (create) the variable before we can give it a value. In some languages like Python, however, we can initialize any variable without needing to first declare it.
How does it differ from assignment?
edit edit sourceAssignment is also the process of giving a variable a value. So what's the difference?
Assignment is whenever we change the value of any variable, while initialization is only when it is first given a value.
This means that initialization is a type of assignment.
Example: declaration and initialization in C
edit edit sourceint a; // declaration: we create the 'a' variable
a = 72; // initialization: we give 'a' a value
char b = 'b'; // declaration and initialization