For loops in python

[Boinbo]

Hey guys! So, I am a new person to these forums, and I am learning python right now. Currently, I'm learning about for loops, but I'm not super sure on how exactly they work. Here's an example of some code from the course I'm taking:

list = [5, 2, 1, 4, 9, 10]
min_value = 0
for item in list:
    if item < min_value:
        min_value = item
print(min_value)

What I'm unsure about is how exactly they got "item" in line 3. Can someone help me out and explain it a bit clearly for me please? Thanks!

[micseydel]

Yeah, item is simply decided by the programmer as the name to use for an element in the list. If you change it to "x" the code will behave exactly the same, as long as you update it everywhere. It's similar to a function parameter - you pick the name.

[Boinbo]

Yeah, item is simply decided by the programmer as the name to use for an element in the list. If you change it to "x" the code will behave exactly the same, as long as you update it everywhere. It's similar to a function parameter - you pick the name.

Oh ok, that makes sense now. Thanks for the help!

[buran]

Also note that list is built-in function. It shouldn't be used as name, because this way it shadows the built-in function you cannot use it. I understand this is simple example code, but anyway keep it in mind