Topic 1: Using Variables to Store Information
A variable in programming is a named storage location that holds a value, which can change as the program runs.
Core concept
Variables let us store information, like a name or a score, giving it a label we can use throughout our program.
How it works
We can assign a value to a variable, like score = 0, and later change it, like score = score + 10.
Why it matters
Variables can hold different types of data, like numbers, text (strings), or true/false values (booleans).
Key detail
Using variables makes programs flexible and reusable, since we can change stored values instead of rewriting the whole program.
Exam highlight
Key diagram

- A picture showing a variable block labelled 'score' with a 'change score by 1' block attached.
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Quick notes
• A variable is a named storage location.
• It holds a value that can change.
• We assign values, like score = 0.
• We can update them, like score = score + 10.
• Variables hold numbers, text or true/false values.
• These are called data types.
• Variables make programs flexible.
• They avoid needing to rewrite the whole program.