What are some use cases for nested functions in Python?

What are some use cases for nested functions in Python?

Nested functions in Python are functions defined within another function. They can be useful for encapsulating functionality, creating closures, and organizing code.

Can you give me an example of a nested function?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

def outer_function(x):
    def inner_function(y):
        return y + 1
    return inner_function(x) + x

In this case, inner_function is nested within outer_function.

What are closures and how do they relate to nested functions?

Closures are a feature where a nested function remembers the values from its enclosing scope even after that scope has finished executing. This is often used with nested functions to maintain state.

Are there any performance implications of using nested functions?

Generally, nested functions can lead to better organization and readability, but they may introduce slight overhead due to scope resolution. However, the impact is usually minimal.