Static Variables in Python?

[Cliff Wells]

On Mon, 2006-07-31 at 15:21 -0400, Michael Yanowitz wrote:
>   Is it possible to have a static variable in Python - 
> a local variable in a function that retains its value.
> 
>  For example, suppose I have:
> 
> def set_bit (bit_index, bit_value):
>    static bits = [0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0]
>    bits [bit_index] = bit_value
> 
>    print "\tBit Array:"
>    int i
>    while (i < len(bits):
>       print bits[i],
>    print '\n'
> 
>  
>    I realize this can be implemented by making bits global, but can
> this be done by making it private only internal to set_bit()?  I don't
> want bits to be reinitialized each time. It must retain the set values
> for the next time it is called.

BTW, I'm assuming this example was contrived.  In real life, I wonder
why you'd ever want to use anything besides:

bits = [ 0 ] * 16
bits [ 4 ] = 1
print "Bit Array:"
print ' '.join ( bits )

Having a "set_bit" function seems redundant when the language syntax
directly supports what you are trying to do.

Regards,
Cliff

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