Variables and Constants
3) Variables and Constants
Let's understand these concepts
Â
Variables
We use variables to store values in our code. These values can be any data type to store anything. For example –
- a string “Name” or “Elektra”,
- a int 1234 or 5678
- a char ‘A’ or ‘b’
- a double 10.12 or 5.34
- or a bool “true” or “false”
You can use it for characters names, or for components that you will need in your game.
Benefits of variables
Using variables in your code, help to simplify your code. It makes it easier to use your values and remember them. For example when you print, change or compare your variables, you can use the name you gave that variable instead of needing to remember the actual value inside it.
Syntax for variables in C#
To create a variable, we need
- a data type,
- a name for our variable
- and then assign a value to it.
Â
Constants
A constant is a variable that doesn’t change in your code. This means that you cannot update the value inside your code for a constant.Â
This is helpful, when you have complicated code, but don’t want your original values to change. For example, if we want Nyxa’s name to remain constant throughout the game.Â
Let’s see how we would create a constant for Nyxa’s name below.Â
Syntax in C# for constants:
To create a constant we need:
- to add the keyword “const” in front of your variable
- a data type,
- a name for our variable
- and then assign a value to it.
Time to test your knowledge.
Let's watch this video for clarity
Let's look at an example
Elektra wants more info on Nyxa
Elektra needs to see what she’s up against. Help her by creating the following variables:
- How many animals Nyxa has – int 342
- What animals there are – “beasts” and “dragons”
- How many levels in the quest – double 1.50
- Whether she will win the quest or not – bool true
Then print them out:Â
- Console.WriteLine (nameofvariable)
To write these code statements, we would do the following:
//number of animals
int AnimalCount = 342;
//type of animals - 2 statements
string TypeAnimals1 = ("beasts");
string TypeAnimals2 = ("dragons")
//# levels in the game - doesn't change (constant)
const double Levels = 1.50;
//Will she win?
bool WinQuest = true;
//Print them out:
Console.WriteLine(AnimalCount);
Console.WriteLine(TypeAnimals1);
Console.WriteLine(TypeAnimals2);
Console.WriteLine(Levels);
Console.WriteLine(WinQuest); //Click Run - this is what it will look like:
342
beasts
dragons
1.50
true Your turn to try
Help Elektra by creating more animals
So now it’s our turn to start creating additional characters that will help Elektra.Â
Use your imagination to create the following for Elektra:
- More animals – make it a bigger number than Nyxa’s animals of 342Â
- What animals will Elektra have – use your imagination
- Specify whether you think Elektra will win or not (true or false)
Lastly, use Console.WriteLine to print out your statements
Type your code in the below C# compiler.When you’re done, take a screenshot, save as a JPEG and submit as an assignment upload below.
Answer
Did you get it right? Your code would have looked similar to this:Â
//number of animals
int AnimalCount = 876 or 432; etc
//type of animals - 2 or more statements
string TypeAnimals1 = ("animal1");
string TypeAnimals2 = ("animal2");
//Will she win?
bool WinQuest = true or false;
//Print them out:
Console.WriteLine(AnimalCount);
Console.WriteLine(TypeAnimals1);
Console.WriteLine(TypeAnimals2);
Console.WriteLine(WinQuest);
Fabulous – now you know what variables and constants are.Â
Last thing you need to know in this section is Operators.Â
#WOW – What Outstanding Work – Awards: join us to learn from our students. 
Calling on all high schoolers interested in tech as a career to join us on 16 September at 5:30pm. If you missed it, we’ll host another one on 18 November. 
We will be talking to Jason Suttie from Devson. Jason has been in the tech world since he was six years old. He headed IT innovation unit at RMB and has since left to start up his own software consulting company – solving problems and building solutions for clients around the world. 
