locals() Local namespace
Last updated: 2026-09-22
locals() Local namespace
locals() returns the current scope's local namespace dict.
| Category | Built-in Functions |
|---|---|
| Kind | Built-in Function |
| Python Version | all |
📝 Syntax
locals()Returns：Returns the local namespace dict of the current scope.
▶ Example
Edit the code, press Run, and see the result in the output panel:
Output：
['a']🏷️ Related Built-in Functions
💡 Related Cases
More case studies coming soon — check back later.
❓ FAQ
QWhat does locals() return inside a function?
AIt returns a dict of the local variables of the current function scope, including all defined local variables (and parameters).
QAre locals() and globals() the same at module top level?
AYes — at module level 'local is global', and they return the same dictionary.
QCan locals()['x'] = 1 change a local variable?
AModifying the returned dict inside a function usually does not actually change the local variables (in CPython locals() returns a snapshot inside a function), so do not rely on this.
QWhat is locals() useful for?
AQuickly inspecting all variables of the current scope while debugging, or passing a local namespace to eval/exec to control the execution environment.
