Variables in Python are classified into two main types based on their scope: local and global.
1. Local Variables:
Definition: A variable declared inside a function or method is called a local variable. It is only accessible within the function or method in which it is defined.
Lifetime: The lifetime of a local variable lasts only as long as the function is executing. Once the execution of the function is done, the variable is destroyed.
Example:
def example_function():
local_variable = "I'm a local variable"
print(local_variable)
In the above example, `local_variable` is a local variable, and it can only be accessed within `example_function`.
NOTE: A local variable can have the same name as a global variable, but within the function, the local variable takes precedence.
2. Global Variables:
Definition: A variable declared outside of any function, class, or method is called a global variable. It has a global scope, meaning it can be accessed from any function or method.
Accessibility: If a variable is defined as global, it can be read from a function without declaring it, but to modify it, you'd need to use the `global` keyword inside the function.
Example:
global_variable = "I'm a global variable"
def example_function():
global global_variable
global_variable = "Modified global variable"
print(global_variable)
In the above example, `global_variable` is a global variable, and it is modified within `example_function`.
