Where are local variables declared in C++?

Local variables in C++ are declared within a function. This means that the scope of these variables is limited to the function in which they are defined. Once a function is executed, the local variables are created and initialized, and they are destroyed when the function terminates. This characteristic ensures that local variables cannot be accessed outside of their defining function.

In contrast, variables declared outside of any functions are typically considered global variables, and they have a broader scope, accessible throughout the program after their declaration. Class-level variables are member variables that are accessible to all methods within the class context, which is distinct from the concept of local variables confined to a specific function's execution. Proper understanding of variable scope is crucial in avoiding unintended side effects, managing memory efficiently, and ensuring that functions operate independently as intended.