Python and Local/Global etc. Variables.

[Megalomania]

I need help...

I do a bit of python scripting. I'm getting relatively good at it... although I don't do any strict teachings... I just pick up knowledge around the place...
I have a big problem though.

Here is a basic script outlining what I have.

animal = "ferret"

#--------------------

def bird(n):
     animal = "bird" 
     print "You found a", animal, "!"
     catch(1)

def catch(n):
     print "You caught the", animal, "!"

#--------------------

bird(1)

As all python users should see, the first print will say "You found a bird!"
And the second one (logically) should say "You caught the bird!"

However, Python is less logical than us, so it says
"You found a bird!"
"You caught the ferret!"

As the new string for 'animal' is defined locally in the fuction 'bird'.
How do I fix this so the variable carries over different functions?

Any help is appreciated.

 

[Daniel]

I don't know much about Python (actually, I never used it), but maybe it is because you defined the local variable "animal" outside of a method? Make it an instance variable instead.

 

[darkiewonder]

Most languages have a symbol in front of it so it can be set as local, global, etc.
Sorry if I don't know what that could be. :\

EDIT: try declaring the animal in the function to
"global animal"
EDIT: nevermind. guess you can't do that. weird. :\
EDit: Try this:

animal = "ferret"

#--------------------

def bird(n):
     global animal
     animal = "bird" 
     print "You found a", animal, "!"
     catch(1)

def catch(n):
     print "You caught the", animal, "!"

#--------------------

bird(1)

Since you declared it outside of the function it was set to global but once you change it inside that function, it became local to within the function itself.

 

[Megalomania]

Okay :D I'll give it a go

Thanks for the help.