parameter
In Python, a parameter is a variable that you use in a function or method definition to accept input values, known as arguments, when the function is called.
Parameters allow you to create flexible and reusable functions by letting you specify the input data that the function should work with. When you define a function, you can include parameters in the function’s signature. You can use these parameters as variables within the function body to perform computations.
There are different types of parameters in Python:
- Positional parameters must be passed in the order they are defined.
- Keyword parameters are passed using the parameter name.
- Parameters with default values have a default value that is used if no argument is provided.
- A variable number of parameters allows you to pass an arbitrary number of arguments to a function.
Parameters vs Arguments
When defining a function, you specify parameters in its signature. They act as placeholders for the arguments. When you call the function, you provide the arguments that correspond to these parameters.
Example
Here’s an example that demonstrates how to use parameters in a Python function:
def greet(name, greeting="Hello"):
print(f"{greeting}, {name}!")
# Usage
greet("Alice") # Output: Hello, Alice!
greet("Bob", "Hi") # Output: Hi, Bob!
In this example, name
is a positional parameter, while greeting
is a parameter with a default value of "Hello"
. You can call the greet()
function with just the name
argument, or provide a custom value for greeting
.
Related Resources
Tutorial
Defining Your Own Python Function
In this tutorial, you'll learn how to define and call your own Python function. You'll also learn about passing data to your function, and returning data from your function back to its calling environment.
For additional information on related topics, take a look at the following resources:
- Python args and kwargs: Demystified (Tutorial)
- Using Python Optional Arguments When Defining Functions (Tutorial)
- Defining and Calling Python Functions (Course)
- Defining Your Own Python Function (Quiz)
- Python args and kwargs: Demystified (Course)
- Python args and kwargs: Demystified (Quiz)
- Defining Python Functions With Optional Arguments (Course)