Exam-style question
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Explain the difference between local and global variables. Use the following Python code in your answer and state what happens when the final line is reached. def calculate(): result = 42 print(result) calculate() print(result).
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- result is a local variable because it is defined inside calculate.
- It can be used by the print statement inside calculate, so 42 is printed when the function runs.
- It is not available to the final print statement outside the function.
- When that final line is reached, the program cannot access result there and produces an error.
Explanation
Why this works
This example demonstrates the restricted scope of a local variable. Defining result inside calculate does not make it available to statements outside calculate.
A global variable has a wider scope because it is defined outside the local function area.
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