Python Program to Swap Two Numbers without using Third Variable

1. Introduction

Swapping two numbers in programming is a common task. Typically, a temporary third variable is used to hold one of the values during the swap. However, Python allows us to swap numbers without using a third variable, which is a neat trick that can make code cleaner and more efficient.

Swapping is the process of exchanging the values of two variables. In Python, this can be done without a temporary variable by using arithmetic operations or multiple assignments.

2. Program Steps

1. Initialize two numbers to swap.

2. Swap the values using arithmetic operations or Python's multiple assignment feature.

3. Print the numbers after swapping.

3. Code Program

# Initialize two numbers
x = 5
y = 7

# Print original values
print("Original values:")
print("x =", x)
print("y =", y)

# Swap the numbers without using a third variable
x, y = y, x

# Print swapped values
print("\nSwapped values:")
print("x =", x)
print("y =", y)

Output:

Original values:
x = 5
y = 7
Swapped values:
x = 7
y = 5

Explanation:

1. x and y are initialized with the values 5 and 7 respectively.

2. The original values of x and y are printed to show the values before swapping.

3. The statement x, y = y, x performs the swap. Python's multiple assignment feature assigns the value of y to x and x to y in one go, without needing a temporary variable.

4. The new swapped values are printed, confirming that x now has the value 7 and y has the value 5.