Python Coding challenge - Day 1284| What is the output of the following Python Code?

 

Code Explanation:

Line 1: def outer():

Defines a function named outer(). The code inside it runs when outer() is called.

Line 2: x = 5

Creates a local variable x and assigns it the value 5.

Current value:

x = 5

Line 3: def inner():

Defines another function named inner() inside outer(). This is called a nested function.

Line 4: return x + 2

The inner function returns the value of x + 2.

Important: Python looks up the value of x when inner() executes. It does not permanently capture the initial value 5.

Line 5: x = 10

Changes the local variable x from 5 to 10.

Current value:

x = 10

This happens before inner() is called.

Line 6: return inner()

Calls the inner function and returns its result.

Since x is now 10, the calculation is:

\[

10 + 2 = 12

\]

Therefore, inner() returns 12, and outer() returns 12.

Line 7: print(outer())

Calls outer() and prints the value it returns.

3. Execution Flow

Step 1: x = 5

Step 2: Define inner()

Step 3: Update x = 10

Step 4: inner() calculates 10 + 2

Output: 12

4. Final Output

12

Book: 500 Days Python Coding Challenges with Explanation