title: Dictionary vs Variable
body: <p>I am currently reading "Python Programming for the Absolute Beginning 3rd Edition".  One of the challenges is:</p>
  
  <blockquote>
    <p>Write a Character Creator program for a role-playing game. The
    player should be given a pool of 30 points to spend on four
    attributes: Strength, Health, Wisdom, and Dexterity. The
    player should be able to spend points from the pool on any
    attribute and should also be able to take points from an
    attribute and put them back into the pool.</p>
  </blockquote>
  
  <p>At first I wrote it with the variables</p>
  
  <pre><code>pool = 30
  strength = 0
  health = 0
  wisdom = 0
  dexterity = 0
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>This section is regarding lists and dictionaries.  So my question is:  Is it better to use the variables in this manner or is it possible to use dictionaries?  If so, is it more efficient?   ie:</p>
  
  <pre><code>attributes = {
               "strength" : 0,
               "health" : 0,
               "wisdom" : 0, 
               "dexterity" : 0
               }
  </code></pre>