Swap Two Variables
Swap the values of two variables using a temporary variable and Python’s tuple unpacking.
What You'll Learn
- Swapping values using a temporary variable
- Using Python tuple unpacking for swapping
- Understanding multiple assignment in Python
Python Swap Two Variables Program
This program helps you to learn the fundamental structure and syntax of Python programming.
# Swapping using a temporary variable
a = 5
b = 10
temp = a
a = b
b = temp
print("After swapping (using temp): a =", a, "b =", b)
# Swapping using Python tuple unpacking
x = 5
y = 10
x, y = y, x
print("After swapping (tuple unpacking): x =", x, "y =", y)After swapping (using temp): a = 10 b = 5 After swapping (tuple unpacking): x = 10 y = 5
Step-by-Step Breakdown
- 1Initialize two variables with sample values.
- 2Swap them using a temporary variable and print the result.
- 3Reinitialize two variables.
- 4Swap them using tuple unpacking.
- 5Print the swapped values again.
Understanding Swap Two Variables
This program demonstrates two ways to swap the values of variables in Python.
1.
Using a temporary variable
:
a in temp.b to a.temp to b.2.
Using tuple unpacking (Pythonic way)
:
x, y = y, x swaps the values in a single line.Python’s multiple-assignment feature makes swapping very concise and readable.
Let us now understand every line and the components of the above program.
Note: To write and run Python programs, you need to set up the local environment on your computer. Refer to the complete article Setting up Python Development Environment. If you do not want to set up the local environment on your computer, you can also use online IDE to write and run your Python programs.
Practical Learning Notes for Swap Two Variables
This Python program is part of the "Basic Python Programs" topic and is designed to help you build real problem-solving confidence, not just memorize syntax. Start by understanding the goal of the program in plain language, then trace the logic line by line with a custom input of your own. Once you can predict the output before running the code, your understanding becomes much stronger.
A reliable practice pattern is to run the original version first, then modify only one condition or variable at a time. Observe how that single change affects control flow and output. This deliberate style helps you understand loops, conditions, and data movement much faster than copying full solutions repeatedly.
For interview preparation, explain this solution in three layers: the high-level approach, the step-by-step execution, and the time-space tradeoff. If you can teach these three layers clearly, you are ready to solve close variations of this problem under time pressure.