Explain the Python Scope with example.

Question

ICSM · Answer

Scope defines where in your code a variable can be accessed or modified.
In Python, every variable is only available within a certain part of the program — that part is called its
scope.
The 4 Types of Scope (LEGB Rule)
Python follows the LEGB rule, which stands for:
Level
Name
Description
L
Local
Inside a function or lambda — temporary and exists only while the function runs.
E
Enclosing
Inside nested functions — from an outer function that encloses the current one.
G
Global
Defined at the top level of a module or script — accessible throughout that file.
B
Built-in
Reserved Python names (like len, print, sum) — always available.
Keyword
Affects
Example Use
local
Variables inside a function
x = 5 inside a function
enclosing
Variables in outer function
Nested functions
global
Variables declared at the top level
global x
built-in
Reserved names
print(), len()
Example: Understanding Scope
# Global scope
x = 10
def outer():
    # Enclosing scope
    y = 20
    def inner():
        # Local scope
        z = 30
        print("Inside inner function:")
        print("x (Global):", x)
        print("y (Enclosing):", y)
        print("z (Local):", z)
    inner()
    print("
Inside outer function:")
    print("x (Global):", x)
    print("y (Enclosing):", y)
    # z is not accessible here
outer()
print("
Outside all functions:")
print("x (Global):", x)
# print(y)  # This will cause an error — y is not defined here
Output:
Inside inner function:
x (Global): 10
y (Enclosing): 20
z (Local): 30
Inside outer function:
x (Global): 10
y (Enclosing): 20
Outside all functions:
x (Global): 10
Modifying Variables Across Scopes
If you want to modify a variable from an outer scope, use:
global → to modify a global variable.nonlocal → to modify an enclosing variable in a nested function.
Example:
count = 0  # global variable
def outer():
    total = 5  # enclosing variable
    def inner():
        nonlocal total
        global count
        total += 1
        count += 1
        print("Inside inner:", total, count)
    inner()
    print("Inside outer:", total, count)
outer()
print("Outside:", count)
Output:
Inside inner: 6 1
Inside outer: 6 1
Outside: 1
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Explain the Python Scope with example.

ICSM

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1 Answers

The 4 Types of Scope (LEGB Rule)

Example: Understanding Scope

Output:

Modifying Variables Across Scopes

Output:

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Level	Name	Description
L	Local	Inside a function or lambda — temporary and exists only while the function runs.
E	Enclosing	Inside nested functions — from an outer function that encloses the current one.
G	Global	Defined at the top level of a module or script — accessible throughout that file.
B	Built-in	Reserved Python names (like `len`, `print`, `sum`) — always available.

Keyword	Affects	Example Use
`local`	Variables inside a function	`x = 5` inside a function
`enclosing`	Variables in outer function	Nested functions
`global`	Variables declared at the top level	`global x`
`built-in`	Reserved names	`print()`, `len()`