How does variable shadowing work in Python?

Can you explain what variable shadowing is in Python?

Sure! Variable shadowing occurs when a variable in a local scope has the same name as a variable in an outer scope, effectively 'hiding' the outer variable.

Can you give me an example of variable shadowing?

Of course! Here's a simple example:

x = 10  # Outer variable

def my_function():
    x = 5  # Inner variable shadows the outer variable
    print(x)

my_function()  # This will print 5
print(x)  # This will print 10

What happens if I try to access the outer variable inside the function?

If you try to access the outer variable inside the function without declaring it as global, you'll get the inner variable's value. To access the outer variable, you can use the global keyword.

Are there any best practices to avoid confusion with variable shadowing?

Yes! It's best to use distinct variable names in different scopes and avoid reusing names to prevent confusion.