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nonlocal

8.2

A Python keyword used inside a function to change an outer variable

other

Specialized

: no local

The nonlocal keyword allows you to modify a variable from an enclosing function in Python.

Examples

Without nonlocal, the assignment would create a new local variable instead of modifying the outer one.
If you want to change a variable defined outside the inner function, use nonlocal.
The variable is defined as nonlocal.
You must declare the variable as nonlocal to modify it.
The nonlocal keyword is required when you want to alter a variable from an outer function within a nested definition in Python.
To access a variable from the nearest enclosing scope, you can use the nonlocal statement in your nested function.
By declaring a variable as nonlocal, you enable the inner function to modify it rather than creating a new local instance.

Surface Forms

nonlocal main

Morphology

nonlocal = local (semi-transparent) = non + local

The keyword is morphologically 'non-' + 'local', but its precise meaning as a Python reserved word (referring to variables in an enclosing non-global scope) is a programming-specific interpretation that learners need technical knowledge to apply.

Etymology

Nonlocal as a Python keyword uses non- 'not' and local 'inside this function' to mean a name is 'not local' to the inner function but belongs to the nearest outer function, so the inner code can change that variable.