Block (programming): Difference between revisions

Revision as of 17:27, 11 May 2020

Revision as of 05:26, 1 July 2020

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{{Programming paradigms}}

In [[computer programming]], a '''block''' or '''code block''' is a lexical structure of [[source code]] which is grouped together. Blocks consist of one or more [[Declaration (computer programming)|declarations]] and [[Statement (computer science)|statements]]. A programming language that permits the creation of blocks, including blocks nested within other blocks, is called a '''block-structured programming language'''. Blocks are fundamental to [[structured programming]], where [[control structure]]s are formed from blocks.

The function of blocks in programming is to enable groups of statements to be treated as if they were one statement, and to narrow the [[lexical scope]] of objects such as variables, procedures and functions declared in a block so that they do not conflict with those having the same name used elsewhere. In a block-structured programming language, the objects named in outer blocks are visible inside inner blocks, unless they are [[Name masking|masked]] by an object declared with the same name.