What is enclosing scope in Python?

Can you explain what enclosing scope means in Python?

Enclosing scope in Python refers to the scope of a function that is defined inside another function. It allows inner functions to access variables from the outer function.

Can you give me an example of enclosing scope?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

def outer_function():
    x = 'Hello'
    
def inner_function():
        print(x)  # This will raise an error because x is not in the inner scope.
    inner_function()

In this case, inner_function cannot access x directly because it's not defined in its own scope.

What if I want to access the variable from the outer function?

You can do that by defining the inner function inside the outer function and then calling it. Here's an updated example:

def outer_function():
    x = 'Hello'
    
def inner_function():
        print(x)  # Now this will work because inner_function is defined inside outer_function.
    inner_function()

Now, inner_function can access x.

Thanks! Is this related to closures?

Yes, it is! Enclosing scope is a key concept in closures. A closure occurs when an inner function remembers the environment in which it was created, allowing it to access variables from the enclosing scope even after the outer function has finished executing.