How Does This Static Variable Work?

[Victor Subervi]

 Hi;
I read this example somewhere, but I don't understand it <:-) Can someone
please explain how static variables work? Or recommend a good how-to?


import random

def randomwalk_static(last=[1]): # init the "static" var(s)

  rand = random.random() # init a candidate value

  if last[0] < 0.1: # threshhold terminator

    return None # end-of-stream flag

  while abs(last[0]-rand) < 0.4: # look for usable candidate

    print '*', # display the rejection

    rand = random.random() # new candidate

  last[0] = rand # update the "static" var
  return rand

TIA,
Victor
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