> A variable is either local or global. It is decided at the compile time. Erm, compile? Python's scoping rules are , erm, interesting: http://me.veekun.com/blog/2011/04/24/gotcha-python-scoping-closures/ The mnemonic for scoping is LEGB: http://stackoverflow.com/questions/291978/short-description-of-python-scoping-rules