What is meant by the scope of variables and functions in programming?

The scope of variables and functions is the part of the program where they are accessible for use.

In programming, several levels of scope are usually distinguished:

• Local scope: variables and functions defined inside a function or method are only accessible within it.
• Global scope: variables and functions defined at the module level are accessible throughout the module.
• Built-in scope: standard functions and variables of the language available everywhere.

For example, in Python:

x = 10  # global variable

def func():
    y = 5  # local variable
    print(x)  # access to global variable
    print(y)

func()
print(y)  # error, y is not defined outside func

Understanding scope is important for managing variable visibility and lifetime, preventing name conflicts, and proper use of functions.