Why does this basic py code work on its own, but not in the function?

Question

G'day all.
OK, this has me stumped! 🤔
I thought how to simplify an original challenge code submission.
Can anyone please explain why this code - "a, b = b, a + b" - works on its own here, 😃

https://code.sololearn.com/ce3Ur8xH4Rl0/?ref=app

but fails inside the function here, 😭

https://code.sololearn.com/c7CjysYXSX4u/?ref=app

Don't really need the code fixed for me, I just need to understand what is making it fail.

Thanks in advance 😁

Answer 1

If I remember correctly, you can use a global variable inside a function but cannot modify it directly. In order to do that, you must make them global inside the function.

Add this inside your function:
global a,b

Answer 2

It doesn't work like that because of the scope of the variables. Especially when trying to assign something that hasent been assigned yet. In the function, there is no a or b. But you tried to assign values to the variables... using the variables with no value.

try working with arguments in the function OR just assign a and b INSIDE the function first

Answer 3

Avinesh , that was spot on. Worked perfectly.
Thank you.

If we've been taught that already, I've totally forgotten about it (pretty sure we haven't though).

Answer 4

Mark McClan not sure if that is discussed in the course. We all get similar doubts and I had a similar one in the past 😉
Btw you are welcome.