#drsecintlocal#22653>
Programs do not just consist of single definitions. In many cases, a
program requires the definition of auxiliary functions or of functions with
mutual references. Indeed, as we become more experienced, we write programs
that consist of numerous auxiliary functions. If we are not careful, these
large collections of functions overwhelm us. As the size of our functions
grows, we need to organize them so that we (and other readers) can quickly
identify the relationship among parts.
This section introduces <#64518#><#22654#>local<#22654#><#64518#>, a simple construct for organizing
collections of functions. With <#64519#><#22655#>local<#22655#><#64519#>, a programmer can group
function definitions that belong together so that readers immediately
recognize the connection among the functions. Finally, the introduction of
<#64520#><#22656#>local<#22656#><#64520#> also forces us to discuss the concept of variable
binding. While the variable and function definitions of <#22657#>Beginning Student<#22657#> Scheme already introduce bindings into a program, a good
<#64521#><#22658#>local<#22658#><#64521#> definitions is only possible with a thorough familiarity of
this concept.