Variable vs. Attribute — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 27, 2023
A variable is something that can change or be different, often in experiments or equations, while an attribute is a characteristic or quality of an object or entity.
Difference Between Variable and Attribute
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
In the realm of science and mathematics, a variable is typically an element, feature, or factor that can vary. An attribute, conversely, is often seen as a fixed characteristic or inherent quality that an object, entity, or person possesses.
In programming, a variable is a storage location paired with an associated symbolic name, which contains some known or unknown value or information. An attribute in this context refers to properties or characteristics assigned to an object within object-oriented programming.
In statistics, a variable can be something that has different values among subjects in a sample or population, like height or weight. An attribute, in the same field, can refer to a specific characteristic that can be used to categorize subjects, like gender or nationality.
A variable implies changeability and can take on multiple values. An attribute, in contrast, gives information about a specific quality, and while it might vary between entities, within a single entity it is typically consistent.
In operations or functions, variables often act as placeholders that can be replaced with different values. Attributes, meanwhile, provide specific, often unchanging, information about the entity in question.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Something that can change or vary.
A characteristic or quality of an object or entity.
In Programming
A storage location with a symbolic name containing a value.
Properties or characteristics assigned to an object.
In Statistics
Can have different values among subjects.
Specific characteristic used to categorize subjects.
Changeability
Implies changeability and can take multiple values.
Typically consistent within a single entity but can vary between them.
Operational Role
Act as placeholders in operations/functions.
Provide specific, often unchanging, information about an entity.
Compare with Definitions
Variable
A symbol representing a value in mathematical or computational expressions.
In the equation x + 2 = 5, x is the variable.
Attribute
A quality or characteristic of a person, thing, or group.
Honesty is an attribute many people value in a friend.
Variable
A characteristic measured in research.
In a study on health, exercise frequency could be a variable.
Attribute
A symbol of a property in grammar, such as an adjective.
In the phrase red apple, red is an attribute describing the apple.
Variable
Likely to change or vary; subject to variation; changeable.
Attribute
A property or characteristic assigned to an object in programming.
In a computer game, a character might have an attribute for strength.
Variable
Inconstant; fickle.
Attribute
To regard as arising from a particular cause or source; ascribe
Attributed their failure to a lack of preparation.
Variable
(Biology) Tending to exhibit genetic variation or variation in a physical trait
Geographically variable color patterns.
Attribute
To regard (a work, for example) as belonging to or produced by a specified agent, place, or time
Attributed the painting to Titian.
Attributed the vase to 18th-century Japan.
Variable
(Mathematics) Having no fixed quantitative value.
Attribute
A quality or characteristic inherent in or ascribed to someone or something.
Variable
Something that varies or is prone to variation.
Attribute
An object associated with and serving to identify a character, personage, or office
Lightning bolts are an attribute of Zeus.
Variable
(Astronomy) A variable star.
Attribute
(Grammar) A word or phrase syntactically subordinate to another word or phrase that it modifies; for example, my sister's and brown in my sister's brown dog.
Variable
A quantity capable of assuming any of a set of values.
Attribute
A characteristic or quality of a thing.
His finest attribute is his kindness.
Variable
A symbol representing such a quantity. For example, in the expression a2 + b2 = c2, a,b, and c are variables.
Attribute
An object that is considered typical of someone or some function, in particular as an artistic convention.
The eagle and the bolt of lightning are attributes of Jove.
Variable
Able to vary or be varied.
Variable winds or seasons; a variable quantity; a variable resistor
Attribute
(grammar) A word that qualifies a noun.
Variable
Likely to vary.
Attribute
(logic) That which is predicated or affirmed of a subject; a predicate; an accident.
Variable
Marked by diversity or difference.
Attribute
An option or setting belonging to some object.
This packet has its coherency attribute set to zero.
A file with the read-only attribute set cannot be overwritten.
Variable
(mathematics) Having no fixed quantitative value.
Attribute
(programming) A semantic item with which a method or other code element may be decorated.
Properties can be marked as obsolete with an attribute, which will cause the compiler to generate a warning if they are used.
Variable
(biology) Tending to deviate from a normal or recognized type.
Attribute
In a Nutshell|page=536
Variable
Something that is variable.
Attribute
A numeric value representing the colours of part of the screen display.
Variable
Something whose value may be dictated or discovered.
There are several variables to consider here.
Attribute
To ascribe (something) to a given cause, reason etc.
Variable
(mathematics) A symbol representing a variable.
Attribute
To associate ownership or authorship of (something) to someone.
This poem is attributed to Browning.
Variable
(programming) A named memory location in which a program can store intermediate results and from which it can read them.
Attribute
To ascribe; to consider (something) as due or appropriate (to); to refer, as an effect to a cause; to impute; to assign; to consider as belonging (to).
We attribute nothing to God that hath any repugnancy or contradiction in it.
The merit of service is seldom attributed to the true and exact performer.
Variable
(astronomy) A variable star.
Attribute
That which is attributed; a quality which is considered as belonging to, or inherent in, a person or thing; an essential or necessary property or characteristic.
But mercy is above this sceptered away; . . .It is an attribute to God himself.
Variable
(nautical) A shifting wind, or one that varies in force.
Attribute
Reputation.
Variable
Those parts of the sea where a steady wind is not expected, especially the parts between the trade-wind belts.
Attribute
A conventional symbol of office, character, or identity, added to any particular figure; as, a club is the attribute of Hercules.
Variable
Having the capacity of varying or changing; capable of alternation in any manner; changeable; as, variable winds or seasons; a variable quantity.
Attribute
Quality, etc., denoted by an attributive; an attributive adjunct or adjective.
Variable
Liable to vary; too susceptible of change; mutable; fickle; unsteady; inconstant; as, the affections of men are variable; passions are variable.
Lest that thy love prove likewise variable.
His heart, I know, how variable and vain!
Attribute
A construct whereby objects or individuals can be distinguished;
Self-confidence is not an endearing property
Variable
That which is variable; that which varies, or is subject to change.
Attribute
An abstraction belonging to or characteristic of an entity
Variable
A quantity which may increase or decrease; a quantity which admits of an infinite number of values in the same expression; a variable quantity; as, in the equation x2 - y2 = R2, x and y are variables.
Attribute
Attribute or credit to;
We attributed this quotation to Shakespeare
People impute great cleverness to cats
Variable
A shifting wind, or one that varies in force.
Attribute
Decide as to where something belongs in a scheme;
The biologist assigned the mushroom to the proper class
Variable
Something that is likely to vary; something that is subject to variation;
The weather is one variable to be considered
Attribute
A specification that defines properties of an object, element, or file.
In HTML, the href is an attribute that specifies a link's destination.
Variable
A quantity that can assume any of a set of values
Attribute
A representation of a relationship in a database.
In a customer database, address might be an attribute.
Variable
A star that varies noticeably in brightness
Variable
A symbol (like x or y) that is used in mathematical or logical expressions to represent a variable quantity
Variable
Liable to or capable of change;
Rainfall in the tropics is notoriously variable
Variable winds
Variable expenses
Variable
Marked by diversity or difference;
The varying angles of roof slope
Nature is infinitely variable
Variable
(used of a device) designed so that a property (as e.g. light) can be varied;
A variable capacitor
Variable filters in front of the mercury xenon lights
Variable
Something that can change or vary.
Weather is a variable that can change daily.
Variable
An element or factor that may change outcomes in experiments.
In a plant growth experiment, light exposure might be a variable.
Variable
A storage location in programming containing a value.
In programming, the variable age might store a person's age.
Common Curiosities
How is an attribute used in grammar?
In grammar, an attribute often modifies or describes a noun, like an adjective.
What is a primary difference between a variable and an attribute?
A variable can change or vary, while an attribute is a characteristic or quality.
What's a common use of variables in mathematics?
In mathematics, variables often represent unknown values in equations.
Can an attribute be numeric?
Yes, attributes can be numeric, textual, or other types depending on context.
Can an attribute change its value in programming?
While attributes describe properties, their values can change, but the attribute itself remains as a descriptor.
Are variables always numeric in research?
No, variables in research can be numeric, categorical, or even textual.
Are attributes exclusive to object-oriented programming?
No, attributes are used in various programming paradigms but are prevalent in object-oriented programming.
Can a single entity have multiple attributes?
Yes, an entity can possess multiple attributes, each describing a different characteristic.
How do variables contribute to scientific experiments?
In experiments, variables can be manipulated or observed to understand their effects on outcomes.
Is every characteristic of an object considered an attribute?
Typically, attributes are distinctive or defining characteristics of objects.
Do all variables have to vary?
No, but the essence of a variable is its potential to take on different values.
How do attributes relate to database management?
In databases, attributes represent properties of entities and can have specific values for each entity.
Are all variables in programming mutable?
No, some programming languages have immutable variables whose values cannot be changed once set.
Can one object have both variables and attributes?
In programming, the terms may overlap; an object can have variables and properties (often called attributes).
Can a variable represent a constant value?
In some contexts, a variable can hold a constant value, but its essence is its potential to vary.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
