Python Scope

Python Scope

A variable is only available from inside the region it is created. This is called scope.

Local Scope

A variable created inside a function belongs to the local scope of that function, and can only be used inside that function:

def myfunc():
  x = 300
  print(x)

myfunc()

Function Inside Function

As explained in the example above, the variable x is not available outside the function, but it is available for any function inside the function:

def myfunc():
  x = 300
  def myinnerfunc():
    print(x)
  myinnerfunc()

myfunc()

Global Scope

A variable created in the main body of the Python code is a global variable and belongs to the global scope. Global variables are available from within any scope, global and local:

x = 300

def myfunc():
  print(x)

myfunc()
print(x)

Global Keyword

If you need to create a global variable, but are stuck in the local scope, you can use the global keyword. The global keyword makes the variable global:

def myfunc():
  global x
  x = 300

myfunc()
print(x)