> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.sourcery.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Move Assign

#### Sourcery refactoring id: `move-assign`

#### Description:

Moves assignment of variables closer to their usage

#### Before:

```python
def should_i_wear_this_hat(self, hat):
    if not isinstance(hat, Hat):
        return False

    weather_outside = self.look_out_of_window()
    is_stylish = isinstance(hat, StylishHat)
    if weather_outside.is_raining:
        print("Damn.")
        return True
    else:
        print("Great.")
        return is_stylish
```

#### After:

```python
def should_i_wear_this_hat(self, hat):
    if not isinstance(hat, Hat):
        return False

    weather_outside = self.look_out_of_window()
    if weather_outside.is_raining:
        print("Damn.")
        return True
    else:
        print("Great.")
        is_stylish = isinstance(hat, StylishHat)
        return is_stylish
```

#### Explanation:

The scope of local variables should always be as tightly defined as possible and
practicable.

This means that:

- You don't have to keep the variable in your working memory through the parts
  of the function where it's not needed. This cuts down on the cognitive load of
  understanding your code.

- If code is in coherent blocks where variables are declared and used together,
  it makes it easier to split functions apart, which can lead to shorter, easier
  to understand methods.

- If variables are declared far from their usage, they can become stranded. If
  the code where they are used is later changed or removed unused variables can
  be left sitting around, complicating the code unnecessarily.