Retrieve Variable Names Instead of Values in Python

Learn how to get variable names instead of their values in Python using dictionaries. Follow this simple guide for effective solutions.
---

Visit these links for original content and any more details, such as alternate solutions, latest updates/developments on topic, comments, revision history etc. For example, the original title of the Question was: Python get variable name instead of value

If anything seems off to you, please feel free to write me at vlogize [AT] gmail [DOT] com.
---
Understanding Variable Names in Python

In Python, as a developer, you might sometimes encounter the need to retrieve variable names instead of their values. This can seem tricky at first, especially if you’re used to working with straightforward variable assignments. If you've ever found yourself needing to print out the names associated with certain values, you're in the right place.

The Problem

Imagine you have declared a couple of variables, Type1 and Type2, with values assigned to them. You store these values in a list and want to print out the names of the variables instead of their values. In your original attempt, you may try to access something like field.__name__, which won’t give you what you’re looking for. Instead, you want the output to show:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

The Solution: Using a Dictionary

While there’s no built-in method to directly retrieve variable names from their values, a highly effective workaround is to use a dictionary. This approach allows you to map variable names to their respective values conveniently.

Step 1: Creating a Dictionary

First, you need to define your variables within a dictionary. Here’s how you can do it:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

This dictionary now acts as a bridge, connecting the names of your variables to their values.

Step 2: Retrieving Variable Names

To retrieve the variable names, you can simply loop through the keys of the dictionary. Here’s the code you would write:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Expected Output

When you run this code snippet, the output will be:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Summary

By using a dictionary to associate variable names with their values, you can easily retrieve the names whenever needed. This method not only simplifies the process but also keeps your code organized and efficient.

Key Takeaways

Use Dictionaries: Instead of relying on a non-existent feature to get variable names, encapsulate them in a dictionary.

Easy Looping: Use loops to iterate through the keys for easy access to variable names.

Now you have a solid understanding of how to retrieve variable names in Python, ensuring your code is both readable and efficient! Happy coding!