What are the best practices for managing scope in Python?

What are the best practices for managing scope in Python?

Managing scope in Python is crucial for maintaining clean and efficient code. Here are some best practices:

1. Use functions to encapsulate code and create local scopes.
2. Avoid using global variables unless necessary.
3. Leverage classes to manage state and behavior.
4. Be mindful of variable shadowing in nested scopes.

Can you explain why using global variables is discouraged?

Global variables can lead to code that is hard to debug and maintain. They can be modified from anywhere in the code, making it difficult to track changes and understand the flow of data. This can introduce bugs and make the code less modular.

What are some examples of when to use local variables?

Local variables are ideal for temporary data that is only needed within a specific function. For example, in a function that calculates the area of a rectangle, you can use local variables to store the length and width, ensuring they don't interfere with other parts of the program.

How do classes help in managing scope?

Classes help manage scope by encapsulating data and behavior. Attributes defined in a class are scoped to the instance of that class, allowing for better organization and preventing conflicts with other parts of the code.