Variable Scope and the `global` keyword Flashcards

What is the output? x = 'global' def test(): global x x = 'local' test() print(x)

Answer: local

global x inside test() makes the assignment modify the module-level x, so it becomes 'local'.

Can a function declare multiple names global in a single statement?

Answer: Yes: global a, b, c

A single global statement can list multiple comma-separated names: global a, b, c.

What happens when you use the global keyword on a name that does not yet exist at module level?

Answer: Python creates the variable at module level when it is assigned inside the function

global just declares intent; the global variable is created upon the first assignment inside the function.

What is the output of the following code? def outer(): x = 1 def inner(): x = 2 inner() print(x) outer()

Answer: 1

inner() creates its own local x = 2 without nonlocal, so outer()'s x stays 1.

Which scope level is searched LAST in the LEGB rule?

Answer: Built-in

Python searches Local → Enclosing → Global → Built-in, so Built-in is the last resort.

What will this code output? total = 0 def add(n): total = total + n return total print(add(5))

Answer: UnboundLocalError

Python sees total = ... and marks it local, so reading total before assignment raises UnboundLocalError.

Where is a variable defined inside a for loop (at module level) accessible?

Answer: Anywhere in the module after the loop runs

Python loops do not create a new scope; the loop variable leaks into the enclosing (module-level) namespace.