Python Global Variables: How Do They Differ From the Local Ones?

The difference between local and global variables in Python

In the example below, you can see two variables declared – bit and bdg:

def f():
    bit = "BitDegree"
    print (bit)
f()

bdg = "BitDegree"
print (bdg)

While both have the same value assigned, they are declared and used differently:

• bit is declared within the function. This makes it a local variable. Its scope is the body of the function – it cannot be used anywhere else.
• bdg is declared outside of the function – this makes it global. You can use Python global variables anywhere in the code.

How to use global variables in Python

When declaring global variables in Python, you can use the same names you have already used for local variables in the same code – this will not cause any issues because of the scope difference:

• If you use the variable within the function, it will prefer the local variable by default:
Example
pizza = "Pepperoni"
def f():
    pizza = "Hawaii"
    print (pizza)

f()
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• If you use the variable anywhere else in the code, you will get the value of the global variable:
Example
pizza = "Pepperoni"
def f():
    pizza = "Hawaii"

print (pizza)
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You can also create local variables by modifying previously defined Python global variables inside the function by using the keyword global:

bdg = 1000

def f():
    global bdg
    bdg = bdg + 500

Python global variables: useful tips

• You can change the value of a Python global variable by simply assigning it a new value (redeclaring).
• To delete a variable, use the keyword del. Trying to use a deleted variable will cause an error to fire.