ProgrammingIntroduction

Where Variables Live

Part of Variable ScopeGCSE Computer Science

This introduction covers Where Variables Live within Variable Scope for GCSE Computer Science. Revise Variable Scope in Programming for GCSE Computer Science with 15 exam-style questions and 10 flashcards. This topic appears less often, but it can still be a useful differentiator on mixed-topic papers. It is section 2 of 6 in this topic. Use this introduction to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

Topic position

Section 2 of 6

Practice

15 questions

Recall

10 flashcards

Where Variables Live

Scope is where a variable can be seen and used. A local variable is like your bedroom - only you can access it, and when you leave, it's cleaned up. A global variable is like the living room - everyone in the house can use it, and it's always there. Local variables exist only inside their function. Global variables exist everywhere. Generally, prefer local - it's tidier and safer!

Keep building this topic

Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Variable Scope. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

Practice Questions for Variable Scope

Where can a local variable be accessed?

  • A. Anywhere in the program
  • B. Only within the subprogram where it is declared
  • C. Only in the main program body
  • D. In any subprogram that calls the original subprogram
1 markfoundation

Identify and explain the scope error in this pseudocode: function calculateTotal(price, quantity) local total = price * quantity endfunction calculateTotal(10, 5) output total

2 marksstandard

Quick Recall Flashcards

What is a global variable?
A variable declared outside all subprograms, accessible anywhere in the program
What is variable scope?
Where a variable can be accessed in the code

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