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Variables Scope

The VARIABLES scope is the default scope in ColdFusion. i.e. if a variable is declared in .cfm and .cfc file without explicitly prefixing a scope, or without 'var' to a variable inside a function, ColdFusion assigns VARIABLES scope to that variable.

EXAMPLE

<cfset myVariable = "" /> is same as <cfset variables.myVariable = "" />

CF Script EXAMPLE

myVariable = "";
/* is same as */
variables.myVariable = "";

Similarly, variable declared in VARIABLES scope can be referenced without explicitly prefixing the VARIABLES scope.

EXAMPLE

<cfset myVariable = "" />
<!--- can be referenced as --->
<cfoutput>#myVariable#</cfoutput>
<!--- or --->
<cfoutput>#variables.myVariable#</cfoutput>

CF Script EXAMPLE

myVariable = "";

writeOutput(myVariable);
/* is same as */
writeOutput(variables.myVariable);

Variables declared in VARIABLES scope are accessible only within that .cfm or .cfc file.

Variables declared in VARIABLES scope in a .cfc file are accessible to all functions within the .cfc file. If the variable value is modified in one function, all other functions get the newly updated value.

Variables declared in VARIABLES scope in a .cfc file are not accessible from outside the component.

Adobe VARIABLES scope Documentation: https://helpx.adobe.com/coldfusion/cfml-reference/reserved-words-and-variables/scope-specific-built-in-variables/variable-scope.html