What are the performance implications of using global variables in programming?

What are the performance implications of using global variables in programming?

Using global variables can lead to faster access times since they are stored in a fixed location in memory. However, they can also cause issues with code maintainability and debugging.

Can you explain why global variables might make debugging harder?

Global variables can be modified from anywhere in the code, making it difficult to track where changes occur. This can lead to unexpected behavior.

Are there any situations where using global variables is beneficial?

Yes, global variables can be useful for storing configuration settings or constants that need to be accessed by multiple functions without passing them as parameters.

What are some alternatives to using global variables?

Alternatives include using local variables, passing parameters to functions, or utilizing data structures like classes or modules to encapsulate state.