Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science

What type of variable is used only temporarily during the execution of a script?

1. Script Variable

2. Global Variable

3. Static Variable

4. Local Variable

The correct answer is: Script Variable

The correct answer identifies a variable that is used for a short duration within a specific context or block of code, typically within a function or a method. Local variables are created when a function is called and are only accessible within that function's scope. This means that they exist only temporarily while the function is in execution and are destroyed after the function completes. Local variables help manage memory efficiently and avoid cluttering the global scope, minimizing the risk of naming conflicts or unintended interactions with other parts of the code. In contrast, global variables persist throughout the program's entire execution, remaining available for use in any part of the code, which can lead to unexpected behavior if not managed carefully. Static variables maintain their value between function calls but are scoped to the function in which they are defined, existing beyond a single execution cycle of that function. Script variables are not a standard term recognized in programming and typically do not refer to a defined scope of variable like local or global variables; thus, they can cause confusion. By using local variables, programmers can create more modular and manageable code with fewer risks of variable misbehavior due to unintended side effects.