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a = 5
a += 3
print(a)

So you've got a variable, and you want to add something to it. In Python, that's where the "+=" operator comes in - a shortcut for "add this to that variable, and then store the result back in that variable". I use "+= python" all the time in my own code. It's one of those things you don't think about until you need it, but when you do, it's a lifesaver.

What does += do?

So what does "+=" actually do? Well, let's take a look at the code we started with:

a = 5
a += 3
print(a)

Behind the scenes, "+=" is doing something like this:

a = 5
a = a + 3
print(a)

It's taking the value of "a", adding 3 to it, and then storing the result back in "a". So why not just use "a = a + 3"? Well, "+=" is just more concise - and less prone to typos. And if you're working with long variable names, it can make your code way more readable.

Using += with strings

But "+=" isn't just for numbers. You can use it with strings too:

name = "John"
name += " Smith"
print(name)

This works because Python knows how to add strings together using the "+" operator. And just like with numbers, "+=" takes the original string, adds the new one to it, and stores the result back in the original variable.

Gotcha: using += with lists

If you've worked with lists in Python before, you know that they can be a little finicky. And when it comes to "+=", lists are no exception:

numbers = [1, 2]
numbers += [3]
numbers += 4
print(numbers)

What's going on here? Well, when you try to add an integer to a list using "+=", Python gets confused - because lists can only be added to other lists (or other iterable things). So what can we do instead?

numbers = [1, 2]
numbers.append(4)
numbers.extend([5])
print(numbers)

Using += with other operators

"+= python" isn't just limited to addition - there are "-=", "*=", "/=", etc. versions too:

• "-=: subtract from"
• "*=: multiply by"
• /=: divide by (watch out for division by zero!)
• %=: get remainder after dividing by
• "**=: raise to power"
• |=: bitwise OR (don't worry if that doesn't make sense yet...)

x = 10
x *= 2
x -= 1
x /= x # what happens here?

A word on style: readability matters!

I honestly prefer using "+= python" whenever possible - because it makes my code easier to read. But sometimes that's not possible... or necessary:

# okay...
price_in_cents *= .01

# better!
price_in_dollars = price_in_cents * .01

The point is: code should be readable by humans first - computers second.

In conclusion...

"+= python" might seem like a small thing - but trust me when I say it can save your bacon at 2am when you're debugging some weird math issue. Want more tips on converting between languages (and getting rid of those pesky late-night bugs)? Check out CodeConverter.co, an AI-powered code language converter designed specifically for developers like us!