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Python Python Basics (Retired) Putting the "Fun" Back in "Function" Functions

Wayne Bishop
Wayne Bishop
1,572 Points
Posted by Wayne Bishop
Wayne Bishop
1,572 Points

Variable initialization in Python?

Hi Folks;

Just wondering about object initialization, parameters and return values in Python. Are objects not declared like with Java, C# or Swift? For example:

//declare an integer var someInt: Int = 5

//return a string value func someFunction(param: String) -> String { return "Testing" }

2 Answers

Chris Freeman
MOD
Chris Freeman
Treehouse Moderator 68,441 Points
Chris Freeman
Chris Freeman
Treehouse Moderator 68,441 Points

No type declaration is needed. The object becomes the type it is assigned, be it an integer, string, some_class_object.

Two things to keep in mind:

  • Everything is an object
  • Parameters are pass by reference. There is a difference between:
    • new_dict = old_dict
    • new_dict = old_dict.copy()
    • new_dict = deepcopy(old_dict)

You can use a type() statement to see what an object is. You might also find dir() useful to see an object's attributes.

Wayne Bishop
Wayne Bishop
1,572 Points
Wayne Bishop
Wayne Bishop
1,572 Points

Thanks for the great response! This clears up number of questions as I learn the language.

Regards;