# Python Scope (Local vs Global)

A variable is only available from inside the region it is created. This is called **scope**.

## Local Scope

A variable created inside a function belongs to the local scope of that function, and can only be used inside that function.

```python
def myfunc():
  x = 300
  print(x)

myfunc()
```

### Function Inside Function

The variable `x` is not available outside the function, but it is available for any function inside the function:

```python
def myfunc():
  x = 300
  def myinnerfunc():
    print(x)
  myinnerfunc()

myfunc()
```

## Global Scope

A variable created in the main body of the Python code is a global variable and belongs to the global scope. Global variables are available from within any scope, global and local.

```python
x = 300

def myfunc():
  print(x)

myfunc()

print(x)
```

### Naming Variables

If you operate with the same variable name inside and outside of a function, Python will treat them as two separate variables, one available in the global scope (outside the function) and one available in the local scope (inside the function):

```python
x = 300

def myfunc():
  x = 200
  print(x)

myfunc() # Output: 200

print(x) # Output: 300
```

## The `global` Keyword

If you need to create a global variable, but are stuck in the local scope, you can use the `global` keyword. The `global` keyword makes the variable global.

```python
def myfunc():
  global x
  x = 300

myfunc()

print(x)
```

Also, use the `global` keyword if you want to make a change to a global variable inside a function.

```python
x = 300

def myfunc():
  global x
  x = 200

myfunc()

print(x) # Output: 200
```

## The `nonlocal` Keyword

The `nonlocal` keyword is used to work with variables inside nested functions. The `nonlocal` keyword makes the variable belong to the outer function.

```python
def myfunc1():
  x = "Jane"
  def myfunc2():
    nonlocal x
    x = "hello"
  myfunc2()
  return x

print(myfunc1()) # Output: hello
```

[[programming/python/python]]