---
title: variableNamingRules
tags:
  - python
  - variables
  - syntax
aliases:
  - variable names
  - naming rules
  - valid variables
---

> [!note] Naming Rules for Python Variables  
> Variable names must follow these rules:  
> 1. Must be a single word (no spaces)  
> 2. Can contain letters, numbers, and underscores  
> 3. Cannot start with a number  
> 4. Cannot include special characters  
> 
> > [!example] Valid vs ❌ Invalid Variable Names  
> > | **Valid Variable Names** | **Invalid Variable Names**             |
> > |--------------------------|----------------------------------------|
> > | current_balance          | current-balance *(no hyphens)*         |
> > | currentBalance           | current balance *(no spaces)*          |
> > | account4                 | 4account *(starts with number)*        |
> > | 42                       | 42 *(starts with number)*              |
> > | TOTAL_SUM                | TOTAL_$UM *(no special characters)*    |
> > | hello                    | 'hello' *(no quotes allowed)*          |
> 
> > [!info] Related Notes  
> > [[variableNamingBestPractices]]  
> > [[comments]]  
> > [[pythonSyntaxOverview]]