Notice: This page requires JavaScript to function properly.
Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings or update your browser.Learn Data Types in Python | Variables and Types in Python
Introduction to Python
course content

Course Content

Introduction to Python

Introduction to Python

1. First Acquaintance with Python
The Very First Steps in PythonHow to Use Comments for ReadabilityPerform Simple Math in PythonHandle More Complex Math in PythonBringing Python Fundamentals Together
2. Variables and Types in Python
How to Store Numbers in PythonPython Naming Rules for VariablesHow to Work with Variables in PythonData Types in PythonChallenge: Converting Kilometers to MilesStore Text with Strings in PythonString Indexing in PythonNegative Indexing and String Length in PythonString Slicing in PythonChallenge: Retrieving Letters from StringString Concatenation in Python
3. Conditional Statements in Python
Boolean Data Type in PythonChallenge: Working with Comparison OperatorsHow to Combine Conditions in PythonChallenge: Working with Logical OperatorsMembership Operators and Type Comparisons in PythonHow to Use if/else Expressions in PythonChallenge: Running a Grocery StoreChallenge: Creating Odd and Even Logicif/elif/else ExpressionsChallenge: Running Grocery Store ExtendedChallenge: Weather Adviser
4. Other Data Types in Python
Python ListsCommon List Methods in PythonChallenge: Updating ListNested Lists in PythonChallenge: Retrieving Information from Nested ListPython TuplesCommon Tuple Methods in PythonChallenge: Updating TupleNested Tuples in PythonChallenge: Retrieving Information from Nested TuplePython DictionariesChallenge: Creating DictionaryCommon Dictionary Methods in PythonChallenge: Updating Dictionary
5. Loops in Python
Explore the while Loop in PythonChallenge: Working with the While LoopExplore the for Loop in PythonChallenge: Working with the For LoopRange Function in PythonChallenge: Using the Range FunctionHow to Iterate Over Indexes in PythonExplore Nested Loops in Python
6. Functions in Python
Built-in Functions in PythonChallenge: Converting HeightsHow to Create Functions in PythonChallenge: Writing First FunctionUse of if/else Statements in Python FunctionsChallenge: Identifying Positive Values Functions Without Return in PythonChallenge: Creating Logging FunctionModifying Functions in PythonChallenge: Updating Logic of the FunctionLambda Functions in PythonChallenge: Creating Lambda Function

book
Data Types in Python

In Python, as in many other programming languages, you can work with objects of different types. Understanding the distinctions between them is crucial, especially in terms of how they are stored in computer memory. Below are the various data types available in Python.

You don’t need to memorize all these data types right away, as you won’t be using all of them immediately. Instead, we’ll explore each one in detail in upcoming chapters as needed. If you're curious about the type of a specific variable, you can use the type() function. And to see the result, always use the print() function.


              
1234

            
# Create some variable
var = 12
# Check variable type
print(type(var))
copy

Let's start by exploring numbers in Python. The language provides the following numerical types:

  • int – Represents whole numbers (e.g., 3, -1, 1003).
  • float – Represents decimal (floating-point) numbers (e.g., 2.8, 3.333, -3.0).
  • complex – Represents complex numbers, typically used in scientific applications (e.g., 3+2j).

Since complex numbers are rarely used in everyday programming, we'll focus on integers and floats:


              
1234567

            
# Calculating respective numbers
days = 792 / 24
seconds_in_hour = 60 * 60

# Displaying numbers and their types
print("Numbers:", days, seconds_in_hour)
print("Types:", type(days), type(seconds_in_hour))
copy

Even though both numbers were int, their division resulted in a float (33.0). This is because Python ensures division (/) always returns a float, even when the result is a whole number, to maintain consistency.

If you need to switch between numerical types, use int() to convert to integer, float() for decimal, and complex() for complex number. When you convert a decimal to an integer, Python drops the decimal portion without rounding.


              
1234567

            
# Variables
int_num = 11
real_num = 16.83

# Displaying original and converted numbers (integer - to float, and vice versa)
print(int_num, float(int_num))
print(real_num, int(real_num))
copy

When converting a floating-point number to an integer, the process truncates the number by removing the decimal portion, rather than rounding it mathematically.

question mark

Is it necessary to specify the data type for a variable in Python?

Select the correct answer

Everything was clear?

How can we improve it?

Thanks for your feedback!

SectionΒ 2. ChapterΒ 4
We're sorry to hear that something went wrong. What happened?
some-alt