Step 1: Expressing the function in an alternate form.
The given function is:
\[
f(x) = \sin x + \cos x.
\]
We rewrite it using the identity:
\[
\sin x + \cos x = \sqrt{2} \sin \left( x + \frac{\pi}{4} \right).
\]
Thus, the function can be rewritten as:
\[
f(x) = \sqrt{2} \sin \left( x + \frac{\pi}{4} \right).
\]
Step 2: Determining the maximum value.
Since the maximum value of \( \sin \theta \) is \( 1 \), the maximum value of \( f(x) \) is:
\[
\sqrt{2} \times 1 = \sqrt{2}.
\]
This maximum is attained when:
\[
\sin \left( x + \frac{\pi}{4} \right) = 1.
\]
Step 3: Finding \( x \) in the given domain.
Solving for \( x \):
\[
x + \frac{\pi}{4} = \frac{\pi}{2}.
\]
\[
x = \frac{\pi}{2} - \frac{\pi}{4} = \frac{\pi}{4}.
\]
Since \( x = \frac{\pi}{4} \) lies within the given domain \( [0, \pi] \), the global maximum value is confirmed as \( \sqrt{2} \).
Conclusion: The global maximum value of \( f(x) \) in the given interval is \( \mathbf{\sqrt{2}} \).