Global and Local Variables in Python
In Python, variables can be either global or local. A global variable is one that is defined outside of a function, and can be accessed and modified by any part of the program. A local variable is one that is defined within a function and can only be accessed and modified within that function. In this blog, we'll explore global and local variables in more detail.
Global Variables
Global variables are defined outside of any function and can be accessed and modified by any part of the program. Global variables are usually defined at the beginning of a program or module, and are used to store values that need to be accessed by multiple functions.
Here's an example of a global variable:
x = 10
def print_x():
print(x)
print_x()
Output:
10
In this example, x is defined outside of the function print_x(), making it a global variable. The function print_x() can access and print the value of x even though it was not defined within the function.
Local Variables
Local variables are defined within a function and can only be accessed and modified within that function. Local variables are usually defined within a function to store values that are used only within that function.
Here's an example of a local variable:
def print_x():
x = 10
print(x)
print_x()
Output:
10
In this example, x is defined within the function print_x(), making it a local variable. The value of x can only be accessed and modified within the function print_x(), and cannot be accessed from outside the function.
Global vs. Local Variables
When a variable is defined both globally and locally within a function, the local variable takes precedence over the global variable. This means that if a local variable with the same name as a global variable is defined within a function, the local variable will be used instead of the global variable within that function.
Here's an example:
x = 10
def print_x():
x = 5
print(x)
print_x()
print(x)
Output:
5
10
In this example, x is defined both globally and locally within the function print_x(). The local variable x takes precedence over the global variable x, so the value of x printed within the function is 5. However, outside of the function, the global variable x is used, so the value of x printed after the function call is 10.
Conclusion
Global and local variables are an important concept in Python programming. Global variables are defined outside of functions and can be accessed and modified by any part of the program. Local variables are defined within functions and can only be accessed and modified within that function. When a variable is defined both globally and locally within a function, the local variable takes precedence over the global variable. Understanding global and local variables is essential for writing efficient and effective Python code.
Happy Learning!! Happy Coding!!
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