CurriculumPython Variables for KidsThe dragon remembers
What a Python Variable Is, for Kids
Boxes that hold things — and how to look inside them.
The dragon remembers
I can say anything you tell me. But I can also REMEMBER things — and that changes everything.
This makes a box called dragon_name and puts Ember inside it. The = means 'put this in there'.
dragon_name = "Ember"Nothing gets said yet. The box is just sitting there, holding the name, waiting.
dragon_name = "Ember"Now watch. Put the BOX NAME inside print — no quotes — and I say what is inside it.
dragon_name = "Ember"
print(dragon_name)Output
EmberCareful though. With quotes, you get the box's name instead of what is in it.
dragon_name = "Ember"
print("dragon_name")Output
dragon_nameQuotes mean 'say these exact letters'. No quotes means 'look inside the box'. Same rule you already know.
print(dragon_name)
print("dragon_name")Output
Ember
dragon_nameAnd boxes hold numbers too — those never need quotes at all.
gold_coins = 250
print(gold_coins)Output
250Check your understanding
What will I say here?
pet_name = "Fluffy"
print(pet_name)Why: print(pet_name) with no quotes means 'look in the box and say what's inside', so I say Fluffy. The box's name is just a label; it's never what I say.
And this one — spot the difference.
pet_name = "Fluffy"
print("pet_name")Why: With quotes, I read the letters exactly: pet_name. It's the same quotes rule from before — quotes mean the literal thing, no quotes means look it up.
What you'll practice
The dragon has never had a name. Make a box called dragon_name, put a name inside it, then ask the dragon to say what it remembers.
More from this topic
The dragon remembers is one lesson inside Python Variables for Kids — see the full lesson order and what the whole topic covers.
View the full topic →