Python: 5 Best Techniques to Generate Dynamic Variable Names

You understand that variables are crucial parts of every program – right?

They let you build effective and efficient programs while storing data and manipulating values.

But what if you need to add variables at runtime dynamically?

This article will examine various Python techniques for generating dynamic variable names and offer helpful advice and recommendations. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned coder, this article will show you how to utilize Python’s dynamic variable names to their full potential.

Let’s go!

The Key Takeaways

• In Python, dynamically named variables can be generated using methods like globals(), locals(), exec(), for loops, or dictionaries.
• Each approach has benefits and drawbacks, and the best way should be chosen based on the unique use situation.
• Using meaningful and intelligible names, according to naming rules, and documenting and commenting on the variables are all best practices for establishing dynamic variable names.
• When defining dynamic variable names, common pitfalls to avoid include choosing ambiguous or confusing names, utilizing the incorrect approach, and failing to document or comment on the variables.
• Developers may design code that is easier to comprehend, maintain, and debug by following our guildlines.

Let’s dive deep into dynamic variable names in python…

Dynamically Named Variable Creation Using the globals() Method

The built-in Python function known as globals() provides a dictionary containing all the global variables defined in the current scope.

This technique can be used to construct dynamically named variables in Python by giving dictionary key values.

An illustration of how to make a dynamic variable name with the globals() Method is shown below:

prefix = "dynamic_"
suffix = "_variable"
var_num = 1

# Creating dynamic variable name using globals()
globals()[prefix + str(var_num) + suffix] = 42

# Accessing dynamic variable
print(dynamic_1_variable) # Output: 42

The globals() Method is used in this code example to create a dynamic variable name by concatenating a prefix, a number, and a suffix.

After that, we give this variable the value 42.

Last, we can access this variable with a dynamic name by just utilizing its name, which is created during runtime.

One benefit is you can access dynamically named variables created with the globals() Method from anywhere in the application.

This is so they can be accessed from any scope in the program. Another benefit is that it can simplify the code by lowering the number of lines needed to declare a variable.

However, employing global variables also has certain drawbacks, such as the potential for name disputes and the elevated danger of unintended consequences due to their global nature.

How to Generate Dynamically Named Variables using the locals() Method

Another built-in Python function that returns a dictionary containing all the local variables in the current scope is the locals() Method.

Let’s see how it works…

This technique may also be used to generate dynamically named variables in Python by giving the dictionary key values.

Here’s an illustration of how to make a dynamic variable name using the locals() Method:

prefix = "dynamic_"
suffix = "_variable"
var_num = 1

# Creating dynamic variable name using locals()
locals()[prefix + str(var_num) + suffix] = 42

# Accessing dynamic variable
print(dynamic_1_variable) # Output: 42

In this code example, a prefix, a number, and a suffix are combined to form a dynamic variable name using the locals() function.

The variable is then given the value 42.

Lastly, we may use the name of this dynamically named variable, which is created at runtime, to access it.

Simple.

You may keep the scope of the variable local by using the locals() function to generate dynamically named variables, which can enhance the program’s efficiency and security.

Another benefit is that it could make writing less code to construct a variable easier.

The fact that local variables may only be accessible within the current function or block of code, however, limits their use in some circumstances.

Creating Dynamically Named Variables Using the exec() Method

A string can be executed as Python code using the built-in Python function exec().

By building a string that contains the variable assignment code and then running it using exec, this technique may also be used to generate dynamically named variables in Python ().

Using the exec() function to generate a dynamic variable name is demonstrated here:

prefix = "dynamic_"
suffix = "_variable"
var_num = 1

# Creating dynamic variable name using exec()
exec(prefix + str(var_num) + suffix + " = 42")

# Accessing dynamic variable
print(dynamic_1_variable) # Output: 42

In this code example, the variable assignment code is built into a string, and then a dynamic variable name is created using the exec() function. Using exec, we then run this text ().

Last, we may access this variable with a dynamic name by just utilizing its name, which is created during runtime.

One benefit of utilizing the exec() function to construct dynamically named variables is the ability to execute Python code dynamically at runtime, which might be helpful in some circumstances.

The amount of code needed to construct a variable may be reduced, which is an additional benefit.

Nevertheless, exec() has a drawback: if the input string is not properly sanitized, it might provide a security risk.

How to Generate Dynamically Named Variables Using a Loop

Another approach to creating Python variables with dynamic names is to use a loop.

This technique includes creating an active variable name out of a series of integers by iterating over them.

Please take a look at our example…

prefix = "dynamic_"
suffix = "_variable"

# Creating dynamic variables using a for loop
for i in range(1, 4):
    globals()[prefix + str(i) + suffix] = i

# Accessing dynamic variables
print(dynamic_1_variable) # Output: 1
print(dynamic_2_variable) # Output: 2
print(dynamic_3_variable) # Output: 3

In this code example, a for loop generates variables with dynamic names by iterating over a set of numbers and building a variable name from each one.

The globals() function then provides each variable with a dynamic name and a value. Lastly, each variable with an active name may be accessed using just that name, which is created at runtime.

One benefit of using a for loop to create variables with dynamic names is that you can quickly construct a lot of variables with similar names.

The downside is that if more dynamically named variables are introduced, the code may become more convoluted and easier to comprehend.

Creating Dynamically Named Variables Using a Dictionary

Another method for making Python variables with dynamic names is to use a dictionary.

The dynamically named variables are kept in this function as key-value pairs using a dictionary.

Example:

prefix = "dynamic_"
suffix = "_variable"

# Creating dynamic variables using a dictionary
variables = {}
for i in range(1, 4):
    variables[prefix + str(i) + suffix] = i

# Accessing dynamic variables
print(variables["dynamic_1_variable"]) # Output: 1
print(variables["dynamic_2_variable"]) # Output: 2
print(variables["dynamic_3_variable"]) # Output: 3

The variables in this code example are stored as key-value pairs in a dictionary, which allows us to construct dynamically named variables.

The dictionary is then used to provide each variable with a dynamic name and a value.

Lastly, each variable with a dynamic name may be accessed using its runtime-generated key.

You can quickly store and retrieve many dynamically named variables by utilizing a dictionary to construct dynamically named variables, which is one benefit.

Another benefit is that because the dynamically named variables are arranged in a data structure, the code may become easier to understand and maintain.

The code may get more complicated if the dictionary needs to be consulted frequently, which is a drawback.

Generating Dynamic Variable Names: Recommended Practices

Python programming may extensively use dynamically named variables, but adhering to standard practices is crucial to keep the code understandable and manageable.

These are some rules to remember while coming up with names for dynamic variables:

• Use names that make sense and are easy to understand: The names of dynamic variables should appropriately describe the data they hold. Refrain from giving your variables terms that are difficult to interpret or unclear.
•  Maintain consistency and make the code easier to comprehend by adhering to the naming standards used by the rest of the source.
•  Dynamic variable names should be documented and annotated to clarify their function and make it simpler for other developers to comprehend the code.
•  Limit the number of dynamically named variables you create: The code may become easier to understand and maintain if there are fewer dynamically named variables. Thus it’s crucial to decide whether adding a new variable is necessary.
•  Please choose the right technique for generating dynamic variable names: Whether you use dictionaries, globals(), locals(), exec(), loops, or any other method, it’s critical to select the right Method for generating dynamic variable names depending on the use case.

When naming dynamic variables, avoid the following common mistakes:

• Using names that are vague or difficult to grasp: The names of dynamic variables should be simple to understand.
•  Choosing the wrong approach to create dynamic variable names: Each Method for establishing dynamic variable names has benefits and drawbacks. Therefore it’s critical to pick the best one for your needs.
•  By describing and elaborating on the names of the dynamic variables, other developers may find it easier to comprehend the function of the dynamic variable names without clear documentation and comments.

Conclusion

Finally, dynamically named variables may be useful in Python programming since they allow developers to define variables with arbitrary names during runtime.

Developers can construct dynamic variable names that improve code readability and maintainability by utilizing techniques like globals(), locals(), exec(), for loops, or dictionaries.

Nonetheless, recommended practices for establishing dynamic variable names should be followed, such as providing meaningful and intelligible names, adhering to naming rules and documenting and commenting on the variables.

Happy coding 😎.