Like a model, a Python script can contain variables. When you define a variable in Python, you give it a name and a value. Also similar to a model, the value assigned to a variable can be hardcoded, can reference the result of another process, or can be a function of ArcPy or another module.
For example, you could define a variable that would be used as an input for the Buffer tool as follows:
In_buf_fc = "streams"
This variable would then be used by the Buffer tool in a Python script as follows:
Buffer_analysis (In_buf_fc, "C:\\GIS\\Trippville.gdb\\Streams_Buffer",
"125 Feet", "FULL", "ROUND")
You can see from the preceding sample code, the use of the defined variable has been highlighted. In an actual script, you would not embolden the variable. That was just done in this example to help you see the use of the variable more easily.
Another particularly...