About scope in Python

Question

In this code, pelts is defined inside the with statement to open a file. The command 'print' is able to access it (Python 2.7). Do code sections like with, for, while not limit scope like a function would?

def run_funct():
''' (input_type) -> output_type

Function docstring
'''

# Put the file into a file handler
with open('hopedale.txt') as hopedale_file:

    # Read first line and move file cursor to the beginning of next line
    hopedale_file.readline()

    # We know that info lines begin on the second line, and 'startswith'
    # a `#` symbol, skip these lines after processing the first one.
    data = hopedale_file.readline().strip()
    while data.startswith('#'):
        data = hopedale_file.readline().strip()

    # When the input line no longer begins with a '#' symbol, store
    # the number of pelts on the first data line
    pelts = int(data)

    # Then process the rest of the lines with 'for ___ in'
    for data in hopedale_file:
        pelts += int(data.strip())

# Print pelts
print 'Number of pelts is:', pelts

no they don't limit the scope – Peter Gerber Mar 12 '17 at 16:52 — Peter Gerber, Mar 12 '17 at 16:52

score 3 · Accepted Answer · answered Mar 12 '17 at 16:52

3

In python only functions and classes defines new scopes. if, for, while, with etc do not!

answered Mar 12 '17 at 16:52

Bakuriu

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Thank you. Out of curiosity, you point out 'in python', do you know if it is the same in JavaScript? I'm currently learning both. – hikinthru Mar 12 '17 at 16:57
@hikinthru [Yes](https://www.w3schools.com/js/js_scope.asp) – Bakuriu Mar 12 '17 at 17:15

score 1 · Answer 2 · answered Mar 12 '17 at 16:53

1

pelts is in the global scope so it is available outside with. with doesn't create its own scope.

answered Mar 12 '17 at 16:53

QB_

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About scope in Python

2 Answers2