What is the difference between local and global variables

Local and global variables are two types of variables defined in programming that differ in their scope and lifetime.

Local Variables: These variables are declared within a function or a block and can only be accessed within that function or block. Their lifetime is limited to the function execution.

Global Variables: These variables are declared outside of any function and can be accessed from any part of the code. Their lifetime lasts for the entire duration of the program.

Example in PHP

<?php $globalVar = "I am a global variable"; function testVariables() { $localVar = "I am a local variable"; echo $localVar; // This will work } testVariables(); echo $globalVar; // This will work // echo $localVar; // This will cause an error because it cannot be accessed outside its function ?>

Local Variables Global Variables Variable Scope PHP Variables