What are the differences between dynamic and static scoping?

What are the differences between dynamic and static scoping?

Dynamic scoping determines variable scope at runtime, while static scoping does so at compile time. Would you like examples?

Yes, please provide examples for both.

In static scoping, a variable's scope is determined by its position in the source code. For instance, in a function nested within another, the inner function can access variables from the outer function. In dynamic scoping, the most recent variable assignment in the call stack is used, which can lead to different behaviors depending on the function calls.

Can you give a code example for each?

Sure! For static scoping, consider:

x = 10

def outer():
    x = 20
    def inner():
        return x
    return inner()

print(outer())  # Outputs 20

For dynamic scoping, in a language that supports it:

(define x 10)

(define (outer)
  (define x 20)
  (inner))

(define (inner)
  x)

(outer)  ; Outputs 20

What are the advantages of each scoping method?

Static scoping is generally easier to understand and debug, as the scope is clear from the code structure. Dynamic scoping can be more flexible and allows for more dynamic behavior, but it can lead to harder-to-track bugs.