LinkedIn principal author Doug Winnie explains the basics of how variable scope works in programming. With variable scope, the location of where your variable is defined determines where and for how long you can access its value. Variable scope is an important part of knowing how to work with variables as you build more complex programs and code.
- When we create variables, we need them…to hold values during our program.…But, how long do we need them to stick around?…As we build programs, we can define…how long we want to use variables, using Scope.…Scope defines how long a variable,…and the memory that is used to store it, is kept.…And how it's available for the program.…One obvious instance when the variable…isn't available any more, is when the program closes.…When the program stops, it releases…all the memory that it used and frees it…for other programs or systems to use.…
Inside of our program, if we create a variable,…we can access it using the name.…In our code, if we create a variable…and then call a function or method,…the variable is available to that method…since it was already created.…But if we enter into a function or method,…and then create a variable there,…as soon as that function or method is complete,…the variable is thrown away.…Including the variable name, and the value.…It's like walking down a hallway.…
If I enter a room in the hallway,…
Author
Doug Winnie
Released
11/28/2016Join Doug Winnie as he explains the principles of programming and helps you connect to core concepts by exploring three ways that programmers perform their jobs. Doug starts by sharing the history of coding and then dives into functions, values, variables, and parameters used to define actions. He covers capturing input from users, creating conditional tests, using loops with arrays, and object-oriented programming basics. He also takes you beyond programming, into processes like debugging, refactoring, and building iteratively.
- Working with values and variables
- Breaking down tasks
- Customizing functions and parameters
- Building conditional tests
- Creating and changing arrays
- Working with objects and classes
- Debugging and refactoring code
- Going beyond the code as a programmer
Skill Level Beginner
Duration
Views
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Introduction
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Welcome1m 40s
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What you should know1m 3s
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1. Control Computers with Code
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History of programming2m 9s
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Forms of programming5m 12s
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2. Define Actions Using Code
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Break down tasks2m 29s
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Variables and scope2m 9s
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Return values from functions2m 15s
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Work with an API1m 27s
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3. Repeat Actions and Test for Conditions
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Capture input from the user3m 31s
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Create conditional tests4m 39s
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Use while loops2m 11s
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Use for loops3m 11s
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Use loops with arrays2m 5s
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4. Objects and OOP
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Everything is an object2m 21s
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Everything is a class4m 3s
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Extend classes2m 7s
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5. Beyond Programming
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Debug problems2m 50s
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Conclusion
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Next steps1m 19s
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Video: Variables and scope