Python - when one integer variable is changed, make the second variable the same

lists and dictionaries act as pointers in python so a hacky version of what you're attempting might look like this:

In [16]: x = y = [0]

In [17]: x
Out[17]: [0]

In [18]: y
Out[18]: [0]

In [19]: x[0] = 10

In [20]: y
Out[20]: [10]

In [21]: x
Out[21]: [10]

Encapsulate both in a function or such ... read/write is controlled through the function thus assuring the behavior you require

From Rosetta Code:

Python does not have pointers and all Python names (variables) are implicitly references to objects. Python is a late-binding dynamic language in which "variables" are untyped bindings to objects. (Thus Pythonistas prefer the term name instead of "variable" and the term bind in lieu of "assign").

From what I can infer, when working with integers, you can't point y to x and do something to x and see the changes happen to y as well.

At the very best, you can change x and y simultaneously, in 2 ways:

1. Multiple assignments (bindings)

   >>> x = y = 9
   >>> print (x, y)
   (9, 9)
   >>> x = 6  # won't change y
   >>> print (x, y)
   (6, 9)
   

2. Tuple unpacking

   >>> x, y = [9] * 2
   >>> x, y = (9, ) * 2  # alternative
   >>> print (x, y)
   (9, 9)
   >>> x = 6  # y says "nice try, x"
   >>> print (x, y)
   (6, 9)
   

You can't.

You're going to have to figure out another way to keep track of things. I think you probably could be structuring your code to use a mutable data type, like a list or dict, or perhaps create a custom one:

class MutableInt:
    def __init__(self, value=0):
        self._value = value

    def __add__(self, other):
        self._value += other

    def __repr__(self):
        return str(self._value)

mutable_int = MutableInt(4)
print(mutable_int) # 4

def addOne(mutable_int):
    mutable_int += 1

addOne(mutable_int)
print(mutable_int) # 5

You can change the x or y via a function, try the following code:

def change_x(value):
    global y
    y = value
    return value

def change_y(value):
    global x
    x = value
    return value

x = y = 3
print(x,y)
x = change_x(5)
print(x,y)
y = change_y(6)
print(x,y)