How Does This Static Variable Work?

[Neil Cerutti]

On Jan 4, 2008 10:17 AM, Victor Subervi <victorsubervi at gmail.com> wrote:

> 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
>

Simulating C's static local variables is the (in)famous application for this
case of optimization in Python's design.

Consult the following entry in the Python General Programming FAQ for
further information.

http://www.python.org/doc/faq/general/#why-are-default-values-shared-between-objects

-- 
Neil Cerutti
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