Why does argv have a 'v'

Question

I am studying Python as a novice programmer. I have seen argv, as in sys.argv used and I believe it is used in other languages as well. What is the significance of the 'v' in 'argv'? What does it stand for and where does the term originate?

I am hoping this will help me understand and remember the use of "argv".

Because the C version does of the variable does; see http://crasseux.com/books/ctutorial/argc-and-argv.html for an explanation of the naming. — Martijn Pieters, Dec 08 '14 at 17:08
These date back to `C`, I believe. The `v` in `argv` is for argument 'vector' (and the accompanying `argc` was the argument 'count'). — Cameron, Dec 08 '14 at 17:08
If my answer fulfill your need, you can accept it, if not, feel free to ask more about it :) — Thomas Ayoub, Dec 16 '14 at 08:18
Thank you Thomas - this was my first question posted on StackOverflow and I did not realize the check mark was there for the clicking! :) — markmacw, Dec 16 '14 at 17:59

score 9 · Accepted Answer · edited May 23 '17 at 10:24

9

The variables are named argc (argument count) and argv (argument vector) by convention, from C.

note that in Python there's no sys.argc. You just use len(sys.argv) as pointed fred-larson

edited May 23 '17 at 10:24

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answered Dec 08 '14 at 17:08

Thomas Ayoub

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Python has no `sys.argc`, AFAIK. You just use `len(sys.argv)`. – Fred Larson Dec 08 '14 at 17:15

Why does argv have a 'v'

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