Access variable of outer function from inner function

Question

I want to use a construct like this, where a function is defined inside of another and can alter a value defined in the outer function:

def function1():
    res = []
    def function2():
        global res
        if (possibleToAnswer):
            res.append(answer)
        else:
            function2()
    return res
print (("%s") % function1(para))

It doesn't seem to work. I keep getting unbound bug. Any idea about how to get it to work?

You don't want global. Also, your example isn't complete and verifiable because certain parts (e.g. possibleToAnswer) aren't defined in what you've posted. — Arya McCarthy
– Arya McCarthy, Commented Apr 21, 2017 at 4:07
Also—you don't define function1 as accepting any parameters, yet you call it the parameter para. — Arya McCarthy
– Arya McCarthy, Commented Apr 21, 2017 at 4:16
Is your question addressed? If so, you can help future users by marking the checkbox beside the correct answer. If not, what can be clarified? — Arya McCarthy
– Arya McCarthy, Commented May 8, 2017 at 1:33

Arya McCarthy · Accepted Answer · 2017-04-21 04:11:24Z

2

Don't use global—it's not in the immediate scope of function2, but it's not global.

def function1():
    res = []
    def function2():
        if (possibleToAnswer):
            res.append(answer)
        else:
            function2()
    return res
print (("%s") % function1(para))

edited Apr 21, 2017 at 4:11

answered Apr 21, 2017 at 4:08

Arya McCarthy

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2 Comments

Trinh Cong Minh Over a year ago

so all i have to do is just using it without "global''?

Arya McCarthy Over a year ago

It's impossible for us to answer that until you provide a Minimal, complete, and verifiable example.

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