I am experimenting with a Python Code step in Zapier and attempted to modify a global variable using a function. Here is a revised code snippet:
counter = 50
def adjust_counter():
global counter
counter = 75
adjust_counter()
result = [{'number': counter, 'status': ''}]
Unexpectedly, the output still reflects the original value rather than 75. What changes are needed to properly update the global variable within the function?
In my experience working with Zapier code steps, the issue isn’t with Python’s handling of globals but rather with how Zapier executes each step in isolation. This means updates to global variables do not persist beyond the single execution context. I encountered similar behavior on another project where I had to return the updated value directly from the function rather than relying on globals to carry state. To address this, it’s best to assign the new value within your code block and pass it on in the returned data structure for use in any subsequent steps.
The issue arises due to the isolated nature of Zapier’s code steps. Although the code itself correctly updates the global variable in a standard Python environment, Zapier runs each code step as an independent execution. This means that global variables don’t persist between calls. My experience with similar cases suggests that rather than expecting the modification to be maintained, the new value should be explicitly returned and passed or stored externally if needed. Consider re-architecting the flow to capture the result immediately and use it in subsequent steps.
i think your code is fine in normal python but zapier code steps run isolated so globals are reset each time. you need to return the new value instead of expecting it to persist, hence your global update isn’t appearing.