What is the scope of variables in Python?

What is the scope of variables in Python?

In Python, the scope of a variable refers to the region of the program where the variable is accessible. There are four main scopes: local, enclosing, global, and built-in.

Can you explain local and global scope with examples?

Sure! A local variable is defined within a function and can only be accessed inside that function. For example:

def my_function():
    x = 10  # local variable
    print(x)
my_function()  # prints 10
print(x)  # raises NameError

A global variable is defined outside any function and can be accessed anywhere in the code. For example:

y = 5  # global variable

def another_function():
    print(y)  # prints 5
another_function()

What about enclosing scope?

Enclosing scope refers to variables in the local scope of an enclosing function. For example:

def outer_function():
    z = 20  # enclosing variable
    def inner_function():
        print(z)  # accesses enclosing variable
    inner_function()  # prints 20
outer_function()

Thanks! What is built-in scope?

Built-in scope includes names that are pre-defined in Python, such as print() and len(). These are always accessible.