Understanding Global Variable Increment in Python: Analyzing Code Output

Exploring the Output of a Python Code Snippet

What will be the output of the following Python code?

x = 10
def foo():
    global x
    x += 5
    return x

print(foo())

Options:

A. 10

B. 15

C. 20

D. Error: invalid syntax

Correct Answer: B. 15

Explanation:

The correct answer is option B. 15. This result can be understood by considering the concept of global variables and their modification within a function in Python.

In the given code snippet, the variable x is declared as a global variable using the global keyword within the foo() function. This allows the function to access and modify the global variable x. Inside the function, x is incremented by 5 using the += operator, resulting in the updated value of 15. The return statement returns this updated value, and the print() statement displays it as the output.

Understanding how global variables can be modified within a function helps in manipulating data across different scopes in Python.