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This example is for Wiring version 1.0 build 0100+. If you have a previous version, use the examples included with your software. If you see any errors or have comments, please let us know.

Variable Scope.
Variables may either have a global or local "scope". For example, variables declared within either the setup() or loop() functions may be only used in these functions. Global variables, variables declared outside of setup() and loop(), may be used anywhere within the program. If a local variable is declared with the same name as a global variable, the program will use the local variable to make its calculations within the current scope. Variables may be localized within classes, functions, and iterative statements.

    int a = 20;  // Create a global variable "a"

    void setup()
    {
      Serial.begin(9600);
    }

    void loop()
    {
      // print global variable "a"
      Serial.println(a, DEC);

      // Create a new variable "a" local to the for () statement
      for (int a = 50; a < 80; a += 2)
      {
        Serial.print(a, DEC);
        Serial.print(" ");
      }
      Serial.println();
      // Create a new variable "a" local to the loop() method
      int a = 100;
      // Print the new local variable "a"
      Serial.println(a, DEC);

      // Make a call to the custom function printAnother()
      printAnother();

      // Make a call to the custom function printYetAnother()
      printYetAnother();
    }

    void printAnother()
    {
      // Create a new variable "a" local to this method
      int a = 185;
      // print the local variable "a"
      Serial.println(a, DEC);
    }

    void printYetAnother()
    {
      // Because no new local variable "a" is set,
      // this print is using the original global
      // variable "a" which is set to the value 20.
      Serial.println(a, DEC);
    }