PCEP Computer Programming and Python Fundamentals Practice Question
Which of the following code snippets will correctly assign the integer 10 to the variable 'x'?
⚠ Common exam trap
The PCEP exam often tests the confusion between the assignment operator (`=`) and the equality operator (`==`), as well as the misuse of the walrus operator (`:=`) as a standalone assignment, to catch candidates who are not precise about Python syntax.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
x = 10
In Python, the assignment operator is a single equals sign (=), which binds the value on the right to the variable name on the left. The statement `x = 10` assigns the integer 10 to the variable 'x'.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
x == 10
Why it's wrong here
The double equals operator performs an equality comparison, evaluating whether x already equals 10 rather than binding the value. It is tempting because the syntax resembles assignment in some languages, but Python reserves == for comparison; it would be correct inside a conditional test such as if x == 10.
- ✗
x := 10
Why it's wrong here
The walrus operator := performs assignment as an expression, not a statement, and was introduced only in Python 3.8; it is intended for use inside conditions or comprehensions. A plain assignment statement, x = 10, is required here, so the snippet fails on older interpreters and misuses the operator's purpose.
- ✗
10 = x
Why it's wrong here
Placing the literal on the left makes this an attempted assignment to an immutable integer, raising a SyntaxError; the target must be a variable name. It is tempting because the value 10 appears, but Python requires the identifier on the left of the equals sign.
- ✓
x = 10
Why this is correct
The assignment statement binds the name x to the integer object 10 using the single equals operator. No quotes, function call or comparison operator intervenes, so x references an int rather than a string or boolean, exactly as the question requires.
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