Statement

In Python, a statement is a unit of code that the Python interpreter can execute. Where an expression evaluates to a value, a statement is an instruction — something the interpreter carries out.

We have already been using statements throughout this chapter. Two familiar kinds are:

• Assignment statements — create a variable and store a value in it.
• Print statements — display output on the screen.

>>> x = 4              # assignment statement
>>> cube = x ** 3      # assignment statement (evaluates x ** 3, stores the result)
>>> print(x, cube)     # print statement
4 64

The first line assigns 4 to x. The second evaluates the expression x ** 3 (that is, 4 raised to the power 3) and assigns the resulting value 64 to the variable cube. The third statement prints both values, producing the output 4 64. …