local variable

In Python, a local variable is a name that you assign inside a function or method body, including function parameters.

Local variables are accessible within that function’s block, including any nested functions. They usually live only for the duration of the function call, unless a closure keeps them alive. Python resolves names using the LEGB rule, which searches the local, enclosing, global, and built-in scopes in that order. As a result, local variables shadow names in outer scopes.

Inside a function, any assignment makes the target name local to the function block unless you use the global or nonlocal keyword.

Example

Basic local variable and visibility:

Python 
>>> def greet(name):
...     message = f"Hello, {name}!"  # Define a local variable, message
...     return message
...

>>> greet("Pythonista")
'Hello, Pythonista!'
>>> message
Traceback (most recent call last):
    ...
NameError: name 'message' is not defined

Assignment makes a name local to a function:

Python 
>>> x = 10  # Global x

>>> def assign_global():
...     print(x)  # Tries to read 'x'
...     x = 42  # Makes 'x' local
...
>>> assign_global()
Traceback (most recent call last):
    ...
UnboundLocalError: cannot access local variable 'x' where it is not associated with a value

Use global to rebind a global name:

Python 
>>> x = 10

>>> def assign_global():
...     global x
...     print(x)  # Reads the global 'x'
...     x = 42  # Rebinds the global 'x'
...
>>> assign_global()
10
>>> x
42

Use nonlocal to rebind names from the enclosing scope:

Python 
>>> def make_counter():
...     count = 0  # Defines a local name
...     def inc():
...         nonlocal count  # Refers to the enclosing 'count'
...         count += 1
...         return count
...     return inc
...

>>> counter = make_counter()
>>> counter()
1
>>> counter()
2
Python Scope and the LEGB Rule: Resolving Names in Your Code

Tutorial

Python Scope and the LEGB Rule: Resolving Names in Your Code

Understanding Python's variable scope and the LEGB rule helps you avoid name collisions and unexpected behavior. Learn to manage scope and write better code.

intermediate python

For additional information on related topics, take a look at the following resources:

Have a question about this? Mentor AI can show you examples, compare related terms, and point you to tutorials.

  • Ask Mentor AI
  • Pick a question and Mentor AI takes it from here.
By Leodanis Pozo Ramos • Updated Oct. 11, 2026
Python Glossary Share Feedback