string variable: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Medium-HighTechnical (Computer Science/Programming)
Quick answer
What does “string variable” mean?
A named storage location in computer memory that can hold a sequence of characters (text).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A named storage location in computer memory that can hold a sequence of characters (text).
In programming, a variable specifically designated to store alphanumeric data (a string), as opposed to numerical or boolean data. It represents a fundamental data type for handling text, words, and sentences.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling of related words may differ (e.g., 'initialise' vs. 'initialize').
Connotations
Identical technical meaning. No regional connotations.
Frequency
Equally frequent in technical discourse in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “string variable” in a Sentence
VERB + string variable + (with/to) + VALUE (e.g., 'Set the string variable to "Hello".')ADJECTIVE + string variable (e.g., 'a global string variable')Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used unless in software development or IT project discussions.
Academic
Common in computer science, software engineering, and data science courses and literature.
Everyday
Virtually never used in non-technical conversation.
Technical
Core, everyday term in programming, software development, and scripting.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “string variable”
- Using a string variable in a mathematical operation without converting it to a number first.
- Forgetting that string variables are case-sensitive (e.g., 'Name' vs 'name' are different).
- Omitting quotation marks when assigning a literal value.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a two-word compound noun. In programming contexts, it is often treated as a single conceptual unit.
Yes, but it stores the number as text (e.g., '123'), not as a numerical value for calculations.
A string variable holds text, while an integer variable holds whole numbers for mathematical operations.
Follow language-specific rules, but generally, use descriptive names (e.g., 'userName', 'messageText') and avoid reserved keywords.
A named storage location in computer memory that can hold a sequence of characters (text).
String variable is usually technical (computer science/programming) in register.
String variable: in British English it is pronounced /strɪŋ ˈvɛːrɪəbl̩/, and in American English it is pronounced /strɪŋ ˈvɛriəbəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “String me along (idiom with 'string', unrelated to computing)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'string' of beads or letters. A 'string variable' is a named box where you can store such a string of text in a program.
Conceptual Metaphor
A LABELED BOX or CONTAINER for holding a SEQUENCE OF SYMBOLS (letters, numbers, punctuation).
Practice
Quiz
What is typically stored in a string variable?