What type of variable is defined within a limited scope, often within a function?

A local variable is defined within a specific scope, typically inside a function or a block of code. Its primary characteristic is that it can only be accessed within that defined scope. Once the function has completed execution, the local variable is destroyed and is no longer available. This limitation of scope helps maintain a clean namespace and avoids conflicts with variables of the same name in other parts of the program.

In contrast, a global variable is accessible throughout the entire program, which means it can lead to unintended side effects if multiple functions interact with the same variable. A static variable, while it retains its value between function calls, is still limited to the function's scope in terms of accessibility. An instance variable is associated with an object in object-oriented programming and is tied to the object's state rather than a specific function.