Why does argv have a 'v'

Question

I am studying Python as a novice programmer. I have seen argv, as in sys.argv used and I believe it is used in other languages as well. What is the significance of the 'v' in 'argv'? What does it stand for and where does the term originate?

I am hoping this will help me understand and remember the use of "argv".

Sottish

Because the C version does of the variable does; see crasseux.com/books/ctutorial/argc-and-argv.html for an explanation of the naming. – Ryter

These date back to C, I believe. The v in argv is for argument 'vector' (and the accompanying argc was the argument 'count'). – Clearly

If my answer fulfill your need, you can accept it, if not, feel free to ask more about it :) – Craggy

Thank you Thomas - this was my first question posted on StackOverflow and I did not realize the check mark was there for the clicking! :) – Sottish

Answer 1

The variables are named argc (argument count) and argv (argument vector) by convention, from C.

note that in Python there's no sys.argc. You just use len(sys.argv) as pointed fred-larson

Craggy

Python has no sys.argc, AFAIK. You just use len(sys.argv). – Baier