Variable scope refers to the context in which a variable is accessible within a program. In programming, variables can be defined in different areas, such as inside a function or globally. A variable defined inside a function is only accessible within that function, while a global variable can be accessed from anywhere in the code. This helps prevent conflicts and keeps the code organized. Understanding variable scope is crucial for writing effective code. For example, if you have a variable named counter inside a function, it won't interfere with another counter variable defined outside that function. This separation helps maintain clarity and reduces errors in larger programs.