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Python

Introduction to Python

Python Basics

Cotrol Structures

Data Structures

Date and Time

Functions and Module

File Handling

Python OOP

Advanced Concepts

Python DSA

Searching Algorithms

Sorting Algorithms

Python Scope

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Scope refers to the visibility or lifetime of a variable — where in the code you can access it. Python has different types of scopes depending on where the variable is declared.

🔹 Local Scope

A variable created inside a function is in the local scope and can only be used inside that function.

def greet():
    name = "Alice"
    print("Hello", name)

greet()
# print(name)  # This will cause an error

🔹 Global Scope

A variable created outside of any function is in the global scope and can be used anywhere in the code (except inside a function unless declared global).

city = "Delhi"

def show():
    print(city)

show()

🔹 Global Keyword

To use or modify a global variable inside a function, you must declare it using the global keyword.

count = 0

def update():
    global count
    count = 5

update()
print(count)  # Output: 5

🔹 Enclosing (Nonlocal) Scope

Variables in the outer function can be accessed in the inner function using the nonlocal keyword.

def outer():
    x = "outer"

    def inner():
        nonlocal x
        x = "inner"
        print("Inner:", x)

    inner()
    print("Outer:", x)

outer()

🔹 Built-in Scope

Python has some built-in names like len(), range(), print(), etc. These are available globally.

print(len("scope"))  # Output: 5

🔹 Python Scope Levels: LEGB Rule

Python follows the LEGB rule to decide the order of scope resolution:

  • L - Local

  • E - Enclosing

  • G - Global

  • B - Built-in

Practice Questions

Q1. Write a Python program to create a function with a local variable and print it inside the function.

Q2. Write a Python program to declare a global variable and access it inside a function using the variable name directly.

Q3. Write a Python program to modify a global variable inside a function using the global keyword.

Q4. Write a Python program to try accessing a local variable outside its function and observe the error.

Q5. Write a Python program to create nested functions and use nonlocal to modify a variable from the outer function.

Q6. Write a Python program to use the same variable name in global and local scope and print both.

Q7. Write a Python program to override a built-in name like sum and observe the effect.

Q8. Write a Python program to build a calculator that updates a global result variable after each operation.

Q9. Write a Python program to use the same global variable in two different functions and modify its value.

Q10. Write a Python program to create a counter using a nested function that updates a nonlocal variable.

Python Scope Quiz

Q1: What is scope in Python?

A. A data type
B. A loop structure
C. The region where a variable is accessible
D. A library

Q2: Where is a variable declared inside a function visible?

A. Everywhere
B. Inside the function only
C. Inside all files
D. In built-in modules

Q3: What is the default scope of a variable defined outside any function?

A. Local
B. Global
C. Static
D. Private

Q4: What does the global keyword do?

A. Deletes a variable
B. Imports a module
C. Modifies global variables inside a function
D. Makes variable constant

Q5: What will happen if you try to modify a global variable without global keyword?

A. It updates globally
B. Error
C. Creates a local variable instead
D. Deletes the global variable

Q6: What is the purpose of nonlocal keyword?

A. To access built-in functions
B. To define a new class
C. To modify a variable from enclosing scope
D. To exit a loop

Q7: What is LEGB rule?

A. Order of function calls
B. Scope resolution order
C. Class hierarchy
D. File import priority

Q8: Which is the outermost scope in Python?

A. Local
B. Global
C. Built-in
D. Enclosing

Q9: Which scope comes just outside a nested function?

A. Global
B. Local
C. Enclosing
D. Built-in

Q10: What happens if variable is not found in any scope?

A. Returns None
B. Prints blank
C. Raises an error
D. Creates a new one
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