[Tutor] global variables

[Alan Gauld]

On 22/08/13 14:43, Matthew Ngaha wrote:
> On Thu, Aug 22, 2013 at 1:40 PM, Chris Down <chris at chrisdown.name> wrote:
>> It sounds like you want to use a class.
>> Why would you not just use a class if you want to store state?

Local coding conventions or programmer skill levels may preclude it.

> I don't feel my program needs a class.

But in this case it sounds like a class is the best solution.
Why would you "feel" that you don't need a class when you have a 
situation  where several functions share common state? That's
almost the definition of a class.

> Also i have been told to stop using classes by some very
 > experienced Python programmers on irc

Really? What reasons did they give.
Unless they are talking about very specific circumstances
that doesn't sound like good advice!

> It's confusing being told different things.

Software engineering, like any branch of engineering, is about learning 
to use many different tools and selecting the best set for a problem.
There are cases where classes are not in the best set, there are cases 
where many global variables are a good fit. But both of these are the 
exceptions to the rule and the engineer's job is to identify when a 
genuine exception exists and make the right choice. There is never a 
single right answer. Sorry, but that's life.

HTH
-- 
Alan G
Author of the Learn to Program web site
http://www.alan-g.me.uk/