Know where a name lives.
Inside and outside differ.

A function can use parameters and local names without replacing a same-named variable outside the function.

01 Learn02 Try03 Predict

01 Learn

A local variable belongs to the function where it is created.

A function can use parameters and local names without replacing a same-named variable outside the function.

message = "Outside"

def show_message():
    message = "Inside"
    print(message)

show_message()
print(message)

The inner message is local to show_message, so the outer message still has its original value.

Change one value or function call, then explain how the result changes.

↳

Keep this in mind: Read the function definition and its calls before predicting the result.

Try it

message = "Outside"

def show_message():
    message = "Inside"
    print(message)

show_message()
print(message)

Run the example, then change one value and observe the result.

02 Try

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03 Predict

What will this program print?

Read the function definition and each call before choosing an answer.

color = "blue"

def change_color():
    color = "green"
    print(color)

change_color()
print(color)

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04 Understanding Check

Why can label be used inside make_label but not automatically outside the function?

def make_label():
    label = "local"
    print(label)

make_label()