Multiple Assignment
Python has a convenient feature that lets you assign values to multiple variables in a single line. This makes certain patterns cleaner and more readable. Assigning Multiple Vars The values on the right are matched up with the variables on the left, in order. Swapping Values In many languages, swapping requires a temporary variable. In Python: Python evaluates the right side first (b, a), then assigns to the left side. No temp variable needed. Unpacking from Collections You can "unpack" a tuple into separate variables: Now x is 10 and y is 20. divmod(17, 5) returns (3, 2), so quotient is 3 and remainder is 2. The simultaneous evaluation is what makes multiple assignment safe. Python builds the right-hand tuple first, then unpacks it, so no value is overwritten before it is read. Unpacking
About This Interactive Section
This section is part of the Python Expressions: Intermediate lesson on DataDriven, a free data engineering interview prep platform. Each section includes explanations, worked examples, and hands-on code challenges that execute in real time. SQL queries run against a live PostgreSQL database. Python runs in a sandboxed Docker container. Data modeling problems validate against interactive schema canvases. All content is framed around what data engineering interviewers actually test at companies like Meta, Google, Amazon, Netflix, Stripe, and Databricks.
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DataDriven combines four interview rounds (SQL, Python, Data Modeling, Pipeline Architecture) with adaptive difficulty and spaced repetition. Easy problems get harder as you improve. Weak concepts resurface until you master them. Your readiness score tracks progress across every topic interviewers test. Every lesson section ends with problems you solve by writing and running real code, not by picking multiple-choice answers.