Quiz question by P.W.R.

Question

x = [1,2,3]
def func(x):
a = 42
x[1] = 42
print(x)
x = a
print(x)
func(x)
print(x)

Can someone please explain why the result is not 42?

Answer 1

Variable declared in function will exist in the function only.. Read more about scope of variables..
you declared x and assigned a so in function x = 42 , (x[1] will refer global variable x which is a list. But it is shadowed after x = a)

After function call func(x)
print(x) #here cmx refers to global variable x which is list. The x which you declared in function will not exist now, once you come out of function.
hope it helps..

Answer 2

Shadowing - that’s it! I was missing this word/concept. Thanks a lot Jayakrishna!