Változó

Változó is a Hungarian term meaning variable. It functions as both a noun and an adjective and is used across mathematics, logic, statistics, and computer science to describe something that can take different values or that changes under different circumstances. The root is the verb változik, “to change,” and related forms include változás, meaning change.

As a noun, a változó refers to a quantity or symbol that may assume different values, such as x or y in equations. In mathematics, one distinguishes independent variables (független változó) and dependent variables (függő változó). In probability, a random variable is called a valószínűségi változó. The concept is foundational to algebra, calculus, and mathematical modeling.

As an adjective, változó describes anything that changes or can change. Examples include változó tényező (variable factor), változó időjárás (variable weather), or változó érték (variable value).

In programming, a változó denotes a named storage location whose content can be altered during program execution. A változó has a type (such as integer or string) and a scope (local or global). Hungarian programming terminology generally uses változó for “variable” and konstansz for “constant,” reflecting common linguistic conventions in documentation and teaching materials.

Etymology: from the verb változik, “to change,” with related terms forming in scientific and mathematical language over time.