title: How are variable names stored in memory in C?
body: <p>In C, let's say you have a variable called <code>variable_name</code>. Let's say it's located at <code>0xaaaaaaaa</code>, and at that memory address, you have the integer 123. So in other words, <code>variable_name</code> contains 123.</p>
  
  <p>I'm looking for clarification around the phrasing "<code>variable_name</code> is located at <code>0xaaaaaaaa</code>". How does the compiler recognize that the string "variable_name" is associated with that particular memory address? Is the string "variable_name" stored somewhere in memory? Does the compiler just substitute <code>variable_name</code> for <code>0xaaaaaaaa</code> whenever it sees it, and if so, wouldn't it have to use memory in order to make that substitution?</p>