Python Functions and Scope 2

Question 1

What does the `global` keyword do inside a function?

Accepted Answer

Declares that a variable refers to the global scope

Answer

The `global` keyword tells Python that assignments to that name should affect the module-level variable, not create a new local one.

Question 2

What is the output of: `def f(x=[]): x.append(1); return x` called three times?

Accepted Answer

[1], [1,1], [1,1,1]

Answer

Mutable default arguments are created once and shared across calls, so the list grows with each call.

Question 3

Which LEGB scope is checked first when resolving a variable name in Python?

Accepted Answer

Local

Answer

Python's LEGB rule checks Local scope first, then Enclosing, then Global, then Built-in.

Question 4

What does `*args` capture in a function definition?

Accepted Answer

Positional arguments as a tuple

Answer

`*args` collects any extra positional arguments passed to the function into a tuple.

Question 5

What is a closure in Python?

Accepted Answer

A nested function that remembers its enclosing scope's variables

Answer

A closure is an inner function that retains access to variables from its enclosing function's scope even after that function has returned.

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