[ python-Bugs-997912 ] Enclosing Scope missing from namespace in Tutorial

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Bugs item #997912, was opened at 2004-07-26 05:39
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Category: Documentation
Group: Python 2.3
Status: Open
Resolution: None
Priority: 5
Submitted By: Brian vdB (brianvanden)
Assigned to: Nobody/Anonymous (nobody)
Summary: Enclosing Scope missing from namespace in Tutorial

Initial Comment:
In the docs to Python 2.3.4 (#53, May 25 2004,
21:17:02), Section 4.6 of the Python Tutorial says:

The execution of a function introduces a new symbol
table used for the local variables of the function.
More precisely, all variable assignments in a function
store the value in the local symbol table; whereas
variable 
references first look in the local symbol table, then
in the global symbol table, and then in the table of
built-in names. Thus, global variables cannot be
directly assigned a value within a function (unless
named in a
 global statement), although they may be referenced. 

This doesn't make it clear that in the following sort
of case, the nested def can 'see' the varriables in the
topmost function:

>>> spam = 1
>>> def foo():
	spam = 2
	ham = 3
	def bar():
		print spam, ham
	bar()

	
>>> foo()
2 3

I suggest the following ammendment:

. . . whereas variable references first look in the
local symbol table, then in the local scope of the
enclosing function defs (if any), then in the global
symbol table, . . .

Thanks,

Brian vdB

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