local variable

local variable

   <programming> A {variable} with {lexical scope}, i.e. one
   which only exists in some particular part of the {source
   code}, typically within a {block} or a {function} or
   {procedure} body.  This contrasts with a {global variable},
   which is defined throughout the whole program.

   Code is easier to understand when the scope of variables is as
   small as possible because it is easier to see how the variable
   is set and used.  Code containing global variables is harder
   to modify because they create more interdependencies between
   sections of code.

   (2005-02-26)