How do nested functions work in Python?

Question

def maker(n):
    def action(x):
        return x ** n
    return action

f = maker(2)
print(f)
print(f(3))
print(f(4))

g = maker(3)
print(g(3))

print(f(3)) # stil         


        

Answer 1

One use is to return a function that maintains a parameter.

def outer_closure(a):
    #  parm = a               <- saving a here isn't needed
    def inner_closure():
        #return parm
        return a              # <- a is remembered 
    return inner_closure

# set parm to 5 and return address of inner_closure function
x5 = outer_closure(5)
x5()
>5

x6 = outer_closure(6)
x6()
>6

# x5 inner closure function instance of parm persists 
x5()
>5