ASSIGNMENT OPERATOR Meaning and
Definition
-
An assignment operator, in the context of computer programming, is a symbol or operator used to assign a value to a variable. It is typically represented by the equal sign (=) and is used to store a specific value in a variable, replacing any previous value stored in that variable. The assignment operator is a fundamental concept in most programming languages and plays a crucial role in manipulating data.
When the assignment operator is used, the expression on its right side is computed, and then the resulting value is stored in the variable on its left side. This allows programmers to update variables with new values as the program executes. For example, in the statement "x = 5", the value 5 is assigned to the variable x.
In addition to the basic assignment operator (=), some programming languages provide additional assignment operators that perform arithmetic or logical operations along with assignment. These include operators such as += (add and assign), -= (subtract and assign), *= (multiply and assign), and /= (divide and assign). They provide a shorthand way to combine an operation with assignment.
While the assignment operator is used to assign values to variables, it should not be confused with the equality operator (==), which is used to compare two values to determine if they are equal. The assignment operator is primarily used for storing values, whereas the equality operator is used for evaluating conditions.
Common Misspellings for ASSIGNMENT OPERATOR
- zssignment operator
- sssignment operator
- wssignment operator
- qssignment operator
- aasignment operator
- azsignment operator
- axsignment operator
- adsignment operator
- aesignment operator
- awsignment operator
- asaignment operator
- aszignment operator
- asxignment operator
- asdignment operator
- aseignment operator
- aswignment operator
- assugnment operator
- assjgnment operator
- asskgnment operator
- assognment operator
Etymology of ASSIGNMENT OPERATOR
The term "assignment operator" comes from the field of computer science, specifically programming languages.
The word "assignment" dates back to the late 14th century and originally meant "an appointment to a position". It comes from the Old French word "assignement", which means "an appointment, settlement, or allotment".
In programming, the term "assignment" refers to the act of assigning a value to a variable. The assignment operator is denoted by the equals sign (=) in many programming languages. It is used to assign a value on the right side of the operator to a variable on the left side.
Therefore, the term "assignment operator" combines the etymology of the word "assignment" with the term "operator", derived from Latin "operator" meaning "one who works or manages", which is used to refer to symbols or characters that perform specific operations in programming languages.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
