Static Variables in Python?

[tac-tics]

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.

If you declare bits in set_bit() as "global bits = ...", it will create
it as a global variable without you having to declare it outside of the
function. Just be careful about name conflicts.