[Python-ideas] A "local" pseudo-function

[Tim Peters]

[MRAB]
> Imagine renaming the specified names that are declared 'local' throughout
> the nested portion:
>
> def f():
>     a = 10
>     local local_a:
>         def showa():
>             print("a is", local_a)
>         showa() # Raises NameError in showa because nothing bound to local_a yet.
>         local_a = 20
>         showa() # 20
>         local_a = 30
>     showa() # Raises NameError in f because local_a not defined.

In a later message I showed executable-today Python code that I
believe models your intent.  That code does indeed display "30" for
the last call, and while I myself don't see that it's _useful_ yet,
the model is incomprehensible if it doesn't.

It doesn't matter that local_a isn't defined at function scope,
because showa() refers to the locals _in_ the "local a:" scope.  The
last value bound to local_a was 30, so that's what showa() needs to
show.  That the name `showa` is _bound_ in f's locals has nothing to
do with whose locals showa() _uses_.  Other current messages about
"closures" go on more about that.