Python: naming variables by programming?

Question

Is it possible to name the variables in Python by programs:

For instance, something like:

for i in range(3):
  var_%%i = i

And after the piece of code, we will have three variables: var_0, var_1 and var_2.

Do *not* use dynamic variables. It is almost 100% certainly unneeded. Instead, use a *container*, like a list or a dict. — juanpa.arrivillaga, Dec 14 '18 at 00:30
Yeah, my answer is there to answer your question, but (heh, never thought I would be saying this) please **don't** use it. You're better off using some sort of a container. See the marked duplicate question for more information. — miike3459, Dec 14 '18 at 00:32

miike3459 · Answer 1 · 2018-12-14T00:39:11.520

2

Is it possible to name the variables in Python by programs

Yes, but it is really, extremely bad practice.

And after the piece of code, we will have three variables: var_0, var_1 and var_2.

If you really want to do this, you could use exec (note - REALLY bad idea, security issues and all that):

for i in range(3):
  exec("var_" + str(i) + " = i")

However, DO NOT DO THIS. IT IS BAD PROGRAMMING PRACTICE

See this question for a more practical solution involving dictionaries.

Also, see this answer about a second approach, and why it is VERY, very bad to use either of the approaches.

But seriously.

Don't do it.

edited Dec 14 '18 at 00:39

answered Dec 14 '18 at 00:28

miike3459

1

`exec` is really bad practice, it's not safe at all, just like `eval` – U13-Forward Dec 14 '18 at 00:28
@U9-Forward I know that, I'm just answering OP's question. I never said it was recommended to do this. – miike3459 Dec 14 '18 at 00:29
4

@U9-Forward in this case, it is perfectly safe. However, this is still a terrible practice – juanpa.arrivillaga Dec 14 '18 at 00:30
@juanpa.arrivillaga That's right. – U13-Forward Dec 14 '18 at 00:30
Understandable. I edited accordingly. – miike3459 Dec 14 '18 at 00:30