In python, can you manipulate a variable such as an int inside a function directly without including it as a return value?
For example:
a = 0
b = 0
def function(x):
if x = 0:
a += 1
return True
else:
b += 1
return False

print function(0)

I had this problem when i tried to track for which part of the code is executed in the example used in this "10. Dictionaries. How to Think Like a Computer Scientist" about Hints using the Fibonacci sequence. Thank you in advance.

Question

In python, can you manipulate a variable such as an int inside a function directly without including it as a return value? 
For example:
a = 0
b = 0
def function(x):
      if   x = 0:
           a += 1
           return True
     else:
           b += 1
           return False

print function(0)

I had this problem when i tried to track for which part of the code is executed in the example used in this "10. Dictionaries. How to Think Like a Computer Scientist" about Hints using the Fibonacci sequence. Thank you in  advance.

e.mccormick · Answer

Are you familiar with the concept of a global and scope? Two references on the topic: http://www.python-course.eu/python3_global_vs_local_variables.php http://www.diveintopython.net/html_processing/locals_and_globals.html

anonymous · Answer

a = 0
b = 0

def function(x):
    global a, b
    if x == 0:
        a += 1
        return True
    else:
        b += 1
        return False

print function(0)
print a, b

anonymous · Answer

You can use "global" to access global variables. And remember, use "=" to attribution and "==" to compare