Chapter 3: Problem 15

What is a parameter variable’s scope?

Short Answer

Expert verified

Answer: The scope of a parameter variable in a function is limited to the function or block of code in which it is defined. It can only be accessed or modified within the function it is a part of, and once the function execution is completed, the parameter variable is destroyed and cannot be accessed outside the function.

Step by step solution

Define Scope

Scope refers to the visibility and accessibility of a variable within a program. Variables can have either global or local scope. Global scope refers to a variable that can be accessed from anywhere in the program, while local scope refers to a variable that is only accessible within a specific block of code, such as a function.

Parameter Variable

A parameter variable is a variable that is passed to a function as an argument when the function is called. It allows the function to access the value of the variable from the calling code, perform some operations on the variable, and possibly return a modified or new value.

Scope of a Parameter Variable

A parameter variable's scope is limited to the function or block of code in which it is defined. This means it can only be accessed or modified within the function it is a part of. Once the function execution is completed, the parameter variable is destroyed and cannot be accessed outside the function.

Example of Parameter Variable Scope

Let's take a look at an example to illustrate the scope of a parameter variable. Consider the following Python function: ```python def add_numbers(x, y): result = x + y return result a = 5 b = 10 # calling the function total = add_numbers(a, b) ``` In this example, the variables `x` and `y` are parameter variables. Their scope is limited to the `add_numbers` function, meaning they cannot be accessed outside of that function. The variables `a` and `b` are global variables, accessible to any part of the code, and their values are passed to the `add_numbers` function via the parameter variables `x` and `y`.

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What is a parameter variable’s scope?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Define Scope

Parameter Variable

Scope of a Parameter Variable

Example of Parameter Variable Scope

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