← Python

Functions – Scope

Variables defined inside a function are local and cannot be accessed outside it

Part of: Python Coding — Module 27, VCE Software Development - U3O1 - Programming — Module 82, VCE Software Development - U4O1 - development and evaluation — Module 10, 9-10 Digital Technologies: Modular programs and algorithms — Module 4, VCE Applied Computing U1O2 Programming: Procedures and functions — Module 5, ACARA Digital Technologies Years 7–8 — Programming with Control Structures and Functions (Python) — Module 52, ACARA Digital Technologies Years 9–10 — Modular and Object-Oriented Programming (Python) — Module 8, QCE Digital Solutions Unit 1 — Algorithms and Programming Techniques — Module 68, QCE Digital Solutions Unit 1 — Programmed Solutions — Module 44, QCE Digital Solutions Unit 4 — Prototype Digital Data Exchanges — Module 30, WA Computer Science ATAR Year 11 — Modular Programming — Module 25

Understanding Functions – Scope in Python

What it does: Functions can read global variables without the 'global' keyword. 'global count' declares that count refers to the global variable. Local variables only exist inside the function they're created in. Global variables are defined at the top level and accessible everywhere. x is local to func() — it disappears when the function ends. Inside func, x='local' creates a local x that shadows the global. Each function has its own local scope — same names don't conflict. NameError means Python can't find the variable name — it's out of scope.

Common mistakes: x is local to func it can't be accessed outside. Print inside the function. x is local and dies when func ends. Use return to get the value out.

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Free printable worksheet with full answer key — or add this module to a class and your students practise it interactively.

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This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 21–30) and word search (Modules 21–40).

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Learning

Duo

What is a local variable?

A variable created inside a functionA variable outside all functions

Matches

❌ def func(): x = 10 print(x)

↓

Error: x is local, not visible outside

Applying

Meanings

Term

Scope

Meaning

Where a variable can be accessed - local or global.

Practice

x = 10

Testing

Gaps

# x is a variable

Check Answer

Spots

4print(x)

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Quick Questions

1. What is a local variable?

A. A variable created inside a function ✓

B. A variable outside all functions

Local variables only exist inside the function they're created in

2. What is a global variable?

A. A variable inside a function

B. A variable created outside all functions ✓

Global variables are defined at the top level and accessible everywhere

3. def func():\n x = 5\nprint(x)\nWhat happens?

A. Prints 5

B. NameError x doesn't exist outside func ✓

x is local to func() — it disappears when the function ends

4. x = 10\ndef show():\n print(x)\nshow()\nWhat prints?

A. 10 ✓

B. Error

Functions can read global variables if no local variable has the same name

5. When does a local variable stop existing?

A. When the function finishes ✓

B. When the program ends

Local variables are created when a function is called and destroyed when it returns

Match the Pairs

def func(): x = 10 print(x) → Error: x is local, not visible outside

count = 0 def add_one(): count += 1 → Error: Can't modify global without 'global'

x = 5 def show(): print(x) show() → Valid: Read global inside function

count = 0 def add(): global count count += 1 → Ok: 'global' lets you modify it

def func(): y = 99 func() print(y) → Output: NameError

msg = 'Hi' def greet(): print(msg) greet() → Output: Hi

Key Term

Scope

Where a variable can be accessed - local or global.~~Local variable

Fill in the Blanks

1. def func(): x = 5 # x is a local variable

2. x = 10 # x is a global variable def func(): print(x)

3. def func(): y = 5 func() print(y) # causes NameError

4. x = 'outside' def func(): x = 'inside' print(x) # prints 'inside'

5. def add(a, b): result = a + b return result

Spot the Error

Question 1

A def func():

B x = 5

D print(x)

Line D — x is local to func it can't be accessed outside. Print inside the function.

Question 2

A def func():

B x = 5

D func()

E print(x)

Line E — x is local and dies when func ends. Use return to get the value out.

Question 3

A def add(a, b):

B result = a + b

D add(3, 5)

E print(result)

Line E — result is local to add. Return the value and store it outside.

Question 4

A name = 'Alice'

B def change():

C name = 'Bob'

E change()

F print(name) # expects Bob

Line C — The local name inside change doesn't affect the global name. Use return.

Question 5

A def greet():

B msg = 'Hello'

D def show():

E print(msg)

Line E — msg is local to greet show can't see it. Pass it as a parameter.

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