Global Variables
Global variables are variables declared in a program's global scope, making them accessible from any part of the code, including functions, classes, and modules. They are typically defined outside of any specific function or block and persist throughout the program's execution. This contrasts with local variables, which are confined to the scope where they are declared.
Developers should use global variables when they need to share data across multiple functions or modules without passing it as parameters, such as for configuration settings, application state, or constants used throughout a program. However, they should be used sparingly due to risks like unintended side-effects, debugging difficulties, and reduced code modularity, making them suitable for small scripts or specific cases where local alternatives are impractical.