The scope of a variable in java is refers to the portion of the program where the variable can be accessed and used. There are two main types of scope in Java: local scope and global scope.

1. 1. Local scope: A local variable is a variable that is declared within a method or a block of code and is only accessible within that method or block. Once the method or block is exited, the local variable is destroyed and its value is lost. For example:
2. 
   

public class Main {
	public static void main(String[] args) {
	int a = 10;
		if (a > 5) {
			int b = 20;
  			System.out.println(b); 
  		} // b cannot be accessed outside of the if block 
	}
}

2. 2. Global scope: A global variable is a variable that is declared outside of any method or block and is accessible throughout the entire class. Global variables are also known as class variables or fields. For example:
3. 
   

public class Main {
	static int a = 10;
	
	public static void main(String[] args) {
		System.out.println(a);
	}
	
	public static void anotherMethod() {
		System.out.println(a);
	}
}

It's important to be mindful of the scope of your variables, as it affects where they can be accessed and used in your program. When declaring variables, consider whether they need to be local or global and declare them accordingly to minimize scope and ensure that your program is efficient and easy to understand.