In programming, what is the scope of a variable?

The scope of a variable refers to the section of code in which that variable is accessible or can be referenced. It determines the visibility and lifetime of variables throughout the program. For example, a variable declared within a specific function will typically only be accessible within that function and not outside of it. This concept helps prevent naming conflicts between variables and aids in managing memory efficiently.

Understanding variable scope is crucial for maintaining code clarity and avoiding unintended side effects, especially in larger programs where multiple developers may be working on different sections of code. It allows programmers to encapsulate their variables to specific contexts while keeping global variables to a necessary minimum for better organization and understanding of the code structure.