PCEP Practice Question: Data Types, Variables, Basic I/O and Operators
Which of the following is a valid Python variable name?
⚠ Common exam trap
Python Institute often tests the misconception that hyphens or special characters like '$' are allowed in variable names, or that digits can start a name, because candidates confuse Python's rules with those of other languages like JavaScript or PHP.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
_var
(_var) is correct because Python variable names must start with a letter or an underscore, and can contain letters, digits, or underscores. The underscore is a valid starting character, making _var a legal identifier.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
2var
Why it's wrong here
Variable names cannot start with a digit.
- ✓
_var
Why this is correct
Underscores are allowed and commonly used.
- ✗
my-var
Why it's wrong here
Hyphens are not allowed in variable names; use underscores instead.
- ✗
var$name
Why it's wrong here
Special characters like $ are not allowed.
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