Description: A global variable is a variable that is defined outside of any function and can be accessed from any function within the same program or module. This means that its scope is not limited to a specific function, allowing different parts of the code to share and modify the same value. Global variables are useful for storing information that needs to be accessible in multiple functions, such as configurations, counters, or application states. However, their use must be handled with care, as they can lead to maintenance issues and hard-to-trace errors if modified in different places in the code. In many programming languages, a global variable can be declared using specific keywords or practices, indicating that the programmer wants to use the variable defined in the global scope rather than creating a new local variable. This allows programmers to manage the application’s state more effectively, although it can also complicate the understanding of data flow in the program if overused.