Is it Better to Use One Variable or Multiple Variables in Coding?

Hey everyone! I'm diving into programming with the Harvard CS50 Python "Making Faces" problem, and I've run into a bit of a dilemma. I've come across two solutions to the task: one uses a single variable (let's call it Solution 1), and the other breaks it down using three variables (Solution 2). My question is, does using only one variable in Solution 1 violate any coding best practices, or does Solution 2 have advantages that make it worth the extra variables? Or is it more about personal preference and either approach could work? Here are the two solutions for reference:

**Solution 1**
```python
def main():
user_input = input("Enter a sentence with the happy and sad emoticons: ")
print(convert(user_input))

def convert(user_input):
user_input = user_input.replace(":)", "").replace(":(", "")
return user_input

main()
```

**Solution 2**
```python
def main():
user_input = input("Enter a sentence with the happy and sad emoticons: ")
final_answer = convert(user_input)
print(final_answer)

def convert(user_input):
converted_input = user_input.replace(":)", "").replace(":(", "")
return converted_input

main()
```

Any insights would be appreciated! Thanks!