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Global and Local Variables in Functions

The document explains the differences between global and local variables in programming, particularly in C++. Global variables are accessible throughout the program and have a lifespan equal to the program's runtime, while local variables are confined to the function or block they are declared in and exist only during the execution of that function. The use of local variables is preferred due to their ability to reduce dependencies and potential errors in code.

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Danieal Vicckey Dean
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8 views3 pages

Global and Local Variables in Functions

The document explains the differences between global and local variables in programming, particularly in C++. Global variables are accessible throughout the program and have a lifespan equal to the program's runtime, while local variables are confined to the function or block they are declared in and exist only during the execution of that function. The use of local variables is preferred due to their ability to reduce dependencies and potential errors in code.

Uploaded by

Danieal Vicckey Dean
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Global and Local Variables in Functions

In programming, especially in languages like C++, the distinction between global and local
variables is crucial for understanding scope, lifespan, and visibility of variables within your
code.

Global Variables
Global variables are defined outside of all functions, typically at the top of your program file.
This placement makes them accessible from any function within the file, or even outside the
file if declared with the 'extern' keyword in other files.

Scope: The scope of a global variable is the entire program. Once declared, it can be
accessed by any function or block within the program.

Lifespan: The lifespan of a global variable is the entire runtime of the program. It is created
when the program starts and destroyed when the program terminates.

Usage Considerations: While global variables are easily accessible, their use is generally
discouraged except when absolutely necessary. They can make the debugging process
difficult since any part of the program can change their value, leading to potential side
effects that are hard to track.

Example:
#include <iostream>

using namespace std;

int globalVar = 100; // Global variable

void display()

cout << "Global variable: " << globalVar << endl;

void display1()

cout << "Global variable: " << globalVar << endl;

int main() {
display(); // Outputs the global variable

display1(); // Outputs the global variable

Local Variables
Local variables are defined within a function or a block of code and can only be accessed
within that function or block.

Scope: The scope of a local variable is limited to the function or the block in which it is
declared. It cannot be accessed outside of this function or block.

Lifespan: The lifespan of a local variable is limited to the execution of the function or block.
It is created when the function/block is entered and destroyed when it is exited.

Usage Considerations: Local variables are preferred over global variables because they
reduce dependencies and potential errors in code. They help in maintaining the modularity
and reusability of the code, as their effects are confined to a specific part of the program.

Example:
#include <iostream>

using namespace std;

void display() {

int localVar = 50; // Local variable

cout << "Local variable: " << localVar << endl;

void display1() {

int localVar1 = 150;

cout << "Local variable2: " << localVar1 << endl;

int main() {

display(); // Outputs the local variable

display1(); // Outputs the local variable


return 0;

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