How do scope and lexical environments relate?

Can you explain how scope and lexical environments are related in programming?

Sure! Scope refers to the visibility of variables in different parts of your code, while lexical environments are the structures that hold variable bindings. They are closely related because the scope determines which lexical environment is accessible at any point in the code.

Can you give an example of lexical environments in JavaScript?

Absolutely! In JavaScript, when a function is created, it forms a lexical environment that includes its own variables and the variables from its outer scope. For instance, if you have a function inside another function, the inner function can access variables from the outer function's lexical environment.

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

If you try to access a variable outside its scope, you'll get a reference error. The variable is not defined in that context, so the JavaScript engine won't be able to find it.

How does this relate to closures?

Closures are a direct result of lexical environments. When a function retains access to its lexical environment even after it has executed, it forms a closure. This allows the function to remember the variables from its outer scope.