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Python’s Global Variables
Variables declared outside of a function in Python are known as global variables. They are declared in global scope. A global variable can be accessed outside or inside of the function.
Example
Start IDLE.
Navigate to the File menu and click New Window.
Type the following:
y= "global"
def foo():
print("y inside the function :", y)
foo()
print("y outside the function:", y)
Discussion
In the illustration above, y is a global variable and is defined a foo() to print the global variable y. When we call the foo() it will print the value of y.
Local Variables
A local variable is declared within the body of the function or in the local scope.
Example
Start IDLE.
Navigate to the File menu and click New Window.
Type the following:
def foo():
x = "local"
foo()
print(x)
Discussion
Running this program will generate an error indicating ‘x’ is undefined. The error is occurring because we are trying to access local variable x in a global scope whereas foo() functions only in the local scope.
Creating a Local Variable in Python
Example
A local variable is created by declaring a variable within the function.
def foo():
Start IDLE.
Navigate to the File menu and click New Window.
Type the following:
x = "local"
print(x)
foo()
Discussion
When we execute the code, the output is expected to be:
Local
