What is scope & why do we need it?

Scope simply allows us to know where we have access to our variables. It shows us the accessibility of variables, functions & objects in some particular part of the code.

Why would we want to limit the visibility of variables to local / block scope instead of keeping them in global scope?

• Firstly, it provides us with some level of security o our code.
• Secondly, it helps to improve efficiency, track bugs & reduce them. It also solves the problem of naming variables.

We have three types of scope:

1. Global Scope
2. Local Scope &
3. Block Scope

Global Scope :

• when you start writing in Javascript document, you're already in the Global Scope.

  const name = "Test";
  

• Variables written inside the Global Scope can be accessed & modified in any other scope.
• We can also say that, variables that are declared outside the functions are under Global Scope.

  const name = "Global";
  const getName = () => console.log({name})
  getName();
  // output : {name : "Global"}
  

  Advantages of using Global Variables :

• We can access the global variable in all the functions.
• A Global variable is useful when multiple functions are accessing the same data.

  Disadvantages of using Global Variables :

• Too many variables declared as global, then they'll remain in the memory until the execution is completed. This can cause memory shortage.
• Value of the global variable can be modified in any other scope. This may give unpredictable results.

Local Scope :

• Variables declared inside a function are under local scope.

// global scope
const printName = () => {
// local sope-1

const name = "John";
console.log({name});
// output : {name :   "John"}

const nestedFunction = () => {
// local scope-2

console.log({name });
// output : {name   : "John"}

const name = "Peter";
console.log({name});
// output : {name :   "peter"}
}
nestedFunction();
}
printName();

• Here, the name in the printName fn can be accessed inside of the nestedFunction fn. Because, nestedFunction fn scope is :
• It's own variables
• It's parent function (printName)
• Global Variables etc...

Advantages of using Local Variables :

• Variables present in the local scope can't be accessed by the Global / Outer scope.
• It prevents Memory Leakage.
• Local variables are deleted as soon as the particular fn is executed. Thus, there is no shortage of memory.

Disadvantages of using local variables :

• They have very limited scope. This isn't a disadvantage, but if you need any local variable to be accessible at the global socpe, then move that variable to the global scope.

Block Scope :

• Block statements like if or for or while loops, unlike functions don't create a new scope.
• Variables declared with the const & let keywords have the block scope & can't be accessed outside the scope unlike the variables declared using var keyword.

if(true) {
var name = "John";
let age = 20;
const address = "Nearby";

console.log({name});
console.log({age});
console.log({address});
// output : {name : "John"})
// output : {age: 20})
// output : {address : "Nearby"})
}
console.log({name});
console.log({age});
console.log({address});
// output : {name : undefined / ""})
// output : reference error (age is not defined).
// output :  reference error (address is not defined).

• Hence, we can't access the age & address as they are declared using let / const.

Conclusion :

• The local & global variables are equally important while writing a program in any language. However, a large number of the global variable may occupy a huge memory. An undesirable change made to global variable is become tough to identify.
• Always declare variables in the nearest scope that you want to use them in.
• Try not to declare variables using var or let unless there is a need to update the them.
• Instead of var you can use let, because it provides block scope, which helps in avoiding memory leakage.

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