Global scope in Python - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is global scope in Python?

Global scope means a variable is defined outside any function and can be accessed anywhere in the program.

beginner

Where can a variable declared in the global scope be used?

It can be used inside functions, outside functions, and in any part of the program after its declaration.

intermediate

What keyword do you use inside a function to modify a global variable?

You use the global keyword to tell Python you want to change the global variable inside the function.

intermediate

What happens if you assign a value to a variable inside a function without using global?

Python treats it as a new local variable, and the global variable remains unchanged.

beginner

Example: What will this code print?

count = 5
def add():
    global count
    count += 1
add()
print(count)

It will print 6 because the function modifies the global variable count using the global keyword.

What does the global keyword do inside a function?

A Makes a variable private

B Creates a new local variable

C Deletes a global variable

D Allows modifying a variable defined outside the function

The global keyword tells Python to use the variable from the global scope, allowing modification.

If a variable is defined outside any function, what is its scope?

A Global scope

B Local scope

C Block scope

D Function scope

Variables defined outside functions have global scope and can be accessed anywhere in the program.

What will happen if you assign a value to a variable inside a function without declaring it global?

A It creates a new local variable

B It deletes the global variable

C It causes a syntax error

D It changes the global variable

Without global, assignment inside a function creates a new local variable.

Can a global variable be accessed inside a function without the global keyword?

A No, it cannot be accessed

B Yes, but it cannot be modified

C Yes, and it can be modified

D No, it causes an error

You can read a global variable inside a function without global, but to modify it you need the keyword.

Which of these is true about global variables?

A They are only accessible inside functions

B They are created using the <code>local</code> keyword

C They exist throughout the program after declaration

D They cannot be changed once set

Global variables exist throughout the program and can be accessed anywhere after they are declared.

Explain what global scope means and how it affects variable access in Python.

Think about where the variable is defined and where you can use it.

Describe how to modify a global variable inside a function and why the global keyword is needed.

Consider what Python does by default when you assign a variable inside a function.