{
  "schema_version": "1.0",
  "codex": "thecodex.expert/coding",
  "type": "concept",
  "slug": "concepts/variables",
  "name": "Variables",
  "section": "CS Concepts",
  "canonical_definition": "A variable is a named binding that associates an identifier with a value or memory location, allowing that value to be stored, retrieved, and optionally modified throughout the execution of a program, with a scope that defines where the binding is visible and a lifetime that defines how long the storage persists.",
  "confidence": "high",
  "last_verified": "2026-06-01",
  "source_count": 4,
  "url": "https://thecodex.expert/coding/concepts/variables/",
  "concept_relationship": {
    "requires_first": [
      "foundations/how-computers-work",
      "foundations/binary-and-number-systems"
    ],
    "enables": [
      "concepts/data-types",
      "concepts/scope",
      "concepts/control-flow",
      "concepts/functions",
      "concepts/immutability"
    ],
    "commonly_confused_with": [
      "variable != value; const binding != immutable data; Python has no separate declaration step"
    ]
  },
  "sources": [
    {
      "num": 1,
      "citation": "Python Language Reference \u00a73.1",
      "tier": 1
    },
    {
      "num": 2,
      "citation": "Rust Reference Ch.10",
      "tier": 1
    },
    {
      "num": 3,
      "citation": "ISO C17 \u00a76.3.2.1",
      "tier": 1
    },
    {
      "num": 4,
      "citation": "ECMAScript 2024 \u00a713.15",
      "tier": 1
    }
  ]
}