Convert String into Variable Name in Python

There may be situations where you want to convert a string into a variable name dynamically. In this article, we’ll explore how to convert a string into a variable name in Python with four simple examples.

Convert String into Variable Name in Python

While Python does not directly allow you to convert a string into a variable name, these examples demonstrate various approaches to achieve similar functionality using dictionaries, functions, exec(), or custom classes.

Example 1: Using a Dictionary

In this example, we use a dictionary (variable_dict) to associate string names with values. We dynamically create a variable name (variable_name) as a string, and then we store and retrieve its value using the dictionary. This approach allows us to mimic variable names with string keys.

Python3

# Creating a dictionary to store values
variable_dict = {}

# Converting a string into a variable name and assigning a value
variable_name = "my_variable"
variable_value = 42
variable_dict[variable_name] = variable_value

# Accessing the value using the converted string
retrieved_value = variable_dict[variable_name]
print(f"{variable_name}: {retrieved_value}")

Output

my_variable: 42

Example 2: Using globals() and locals()

Here, we utilize the globals() function to create a global variable with a name defined by the string variable_name. This variable can be accessed throughout the program using the same string as its name.

Python3

# Using globals() to create a global variable
variable_name = "my_global_variable"
variable_value = 99
globals()[variable_name] = variable_value

# Accessing the global variable
retrieved_value = globals()[variable_name]
print(f"{variable_name}: {retrieved_value}")

Output

my_global_variable: 99

Example 3: Using exec()

In this example, we use the exec() function to execute a dynamically generated Python code. We build a string containing the variable name and its value and then execute it. The result is a dynamically created variable accessible by its name.

Python3

# Converting a string into a variable name using exec()
variable_name = "my_dynamic_variable"
variable_value = 123

# Create the variable dynamically using exec()
exec(f"{variable_name} = {variable_value}")

# Accessing the dynamically created variable
retrieved_value = my_dynamic_variable
print(f"{variable_name}: {retrieved_value}")

Output

my_dynamic_variable: 123

Example 4: Using a Class

In this example, we create a class called VariableContainer to encapsulate the variables. This class provides methods for adding and retrieving variables using their names. By instantiating this class, you can dynamically add and access variables as needed.

Python3

# Creating a class with dynamic attributes
class VariableContainer:
    def __init__(self):
        self.variables = {}

    def add_variable(self, name, value):
        self.variables[name] = value

    def get_variable(self, name):
        return self.variables.get(name)

# Create an instance of the class
container = VariableContainer()

# Adding variables dynamically
variable_name = "my_dynamic_var"
variable_value = "Hello, World!"
container.add_variable(variable_name, variable_value)

# Accessing the variable
retrieved_value = container.get_variable(variable_name)
print(f"{variable_name}: {retrieved_value}")

Output

my_dynamic_var: Hello, World!