What are local and global variables in programming?

What are local and global variables in programming?

Local variables are defined within a function and can only be accessed there, while global variables are accessible throughout the program.

Can you give me an example of each?

Sure! A local variable could be a variable defined inside a function like def my_function(): x = 10. A global variable would be defined outside any function, like y = 20.

What happens if I try to access a local variable outside its function?

If you try to access a local variable outside its function, you'll get a NameError because it's not defined in that scope.

Are there any best practices for using global variables?

Yes, it's generally best to minimize the use of global variables to avoid unintended side effects and make your code easier to understand.