How Variables and Memory Interact in Python

First, let us examine the concept of memory within a computer system. Picture memory is an array of compartments where data is securely stored and accessed from designated locations. This process can be likened to transmitting an email. The principal criterion for sending an email is the recipient's email address, which essentially designates a distinct mailbox located somewhere across the globe. Utilizing this address ensures that the email content is accurately delivered to the intended recipient.

Similarly, in computer systems, memory slots can be assigned numerical values known as memory addresses. An object can be positioned within a single memory slot or span across several slots, contingent upon the object's size. Being cognizant of the starting address is sufficient for data management. For instance, object 1 commences at address 0x1000, but due to its size, extends into the succeeding slot, 0x1001. Object 2 initiates at address 0x1003 and continues until 0x1005, while object 3 is accommodated within memory slot 0x1006. The aggregate assembly of these slots is referred to as the heap. The Python memory manager is responsible for overseeing the storage and retrieval of data within the heap.

In the process of creating a variable and assigning a value to it, such as my_var_1 = 10, Python first allocates memory to store the value as an object within the memory. In this case, my_var_1 serves as an alias that points to the address where the object is stored. The Python memory manager oversees the storage and retrieval of data within the heap, which is the aggregate assembly of memory slots.

In Python, you can use the id() function to obtain the memory address referenced by a variable, and you can convert this base-10 number to its hexadecimal representation using the hex() function. This can be useful for various purposes, including debugging and understanding memory allocation in your Python programs.

>>> my_variable = 10
>>> print(my_variable)
10
>>> print(id(my_variable))
1688683571792
>>> print(hex(id(my_variable)))
0x1892d626a50