Global scope

Definition

Global scope refers to variables that are defined outside of any function and can be accessed from anywhere in the code. These variables retain their values throughout the lifetime of the program.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Variables defined in the global scope are accessible within any function unless shadowed by a local variable with the same name.
2. Global variables can be modified within a function using the 'global' keyword.
3. Overusing global variables can lead to code that is hard to debug and maintain.
4. If a variable is only read inside a function, it does not need to be declared as global.
5. Global scope variables are stored in memory for the entire duration of program execution.

Review Questions

• What keyword allows you to modify a global variable inside a function?
• Why should overuse of global variables be avoided?
• Where are global scope variables accessible from?

Related terms

Local Scope: Variables that are defined inside a function and can only be accessed within that function.

Nonlocal Keyword: A keyword used in nested functions to refer to variables in the nearest enclosing scope that is not global.

'global' Keyword: A keyword used to declare that a variable inside a function refers to a globally scoped variable.