When to pass arguments into a function

Question

Hello, I've been having some problems recently trying to write my own programs. I create functions where i declare a variable. I then attempt to pass this variable into another function and i always put it into the function as a parameter. When i go to run the program i get back an error message saying the variable is not defined.
an example of this is shown below, help would be hugely appreciated. Thanks. P.S im not sure why it is putting things on the same line when i upload the question but hopefully you get the general idea. :)
def name():
  name = 'Bob'
def print_name(name):
  print(name)
name()
print_name(name)

Steven Parker · Accepted Answer

:point_right: You're seeing the results of the concept called "scope".
When you define "name" inside the name function, it is only available inside the function.  One way to make it available outside would be with return, as shown here:
```py
def name():
    name = 'Bob'  # "name" is only available inside this function
    return name   # but we can return its value to the caller
print(name())     # this will print "Bob"
```

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ronakeogh

ronakeogh

When to pass arguments into a function

Steven Parker

Steven Parker

1 Answer

Steven Parker

Steven Parker

You're seeing the results of the concept called "scope".

ronakeogh

ronakeogh