Topic 1: Variables in Python

• In programming, a variable is a name that stands for numbers, text, or other information.
• Variables are helpful for making your code easier to understand and modify.
• You can use any name you want for a variable as long as it follows the rules.

Variable names:

• Can include letters, numbers, and the underscore (_) character.
• Cannot include spaces, tabs, quotes, or other characters.
• Cannot start with a number.
• Cannot be a Python keyword (like def, for, in, while, if)

Here are some example valid and invalid variable names

Variables for Drums

This example uses variables for drum names. We assign a value to a variable using the equal sign (=) The variable name comes first, then the equal sign, and then the value.

kick = 1
hat = 4
snare = 2
clap = 10

playNote([kick, hat], beats = 0.5)
playNote(hat, beats = 0.5)
playNote([kick, hat, snare, clap], beats = 0.5)
playNote(hat, beats = 0.5)

Topic 2: Lists in Python

In programming, a list is an ordered collection of things

• A list can be as long or short as you want
• A list can be empty (zero items)
• A list holds things in fixed order
• A list can hold numbers, letters, words, or even other lists
• A list can hold variables too
• Here are a few examples of lists in Python

notes = [ 24, 28, 31 ]
colors = [ "blue", "yellow", "red", "green" ]
emptyList = [ ]

Lists in TunePad

In TunePad you can use a list to play more than one drum sound at the same time.

kick = 1
hat = 4
snare = 2

# play a kick, hat, and snare drum at the same time
playNote([kick, hat, snare])

You can use a list to play a chord, which means more than one musical note at a time.

# play a C Major chord
playNote([60, 64, 67])