Function Parameters

Python Functions

These notes cover the basics of Python functions.

Defining Functions:

Functions are defined using the def keyword, followed by the function name, parentheses (), and a colon :. The function body is indented.

def my_function(param1, param2):
  """This is a docstring describing the function."""
  # Function body
  result = param1 + param2
  return result

Calling Functions:

Functions are called by using their name followed by parentheses containing any necessary arguments.

result = my_function(5, 3)  # Calls my_function with arguments 5 and 3
print(result)  # Prints 8

Types of Arguments:

Positional Arguments: Arguments passed in the order they are defined in the function definition.
Keyword Arguments: Arguments passed using the keyword=value syntax. This allows for flexibility in argument order.
Default Arguments: Arguments that have a default value specified in the function definition. If not provided during the function call, the default value is used.
Variable-Length Arguments (*args, **kwargs): Used to handle a variable number of positional or keyword arguments, respectively. Variable Length Arguments in Python

Scope and Lifetime of Variables:

Local Variables: Variables defined inside a function are local to that function.
Global Variables: Variables defined outside any function. They can be accessed from within functions, but modifying them requires the global keyword. Variable Scope and Lifetime

Lambda Functions (Anonymous Functions):

These are small, anonymous functions defined using the lambda keyword. They are often used for short, simple operations.

square = lambda x: x*x
print(square(5)) # Prints 25

Recursive Functions:

Functions that call themselves. They must have a base case to avoid infinite Recursion. Recursion in Python

A powerful technique for modifying or enhancing functions without changing their core functionality. They use the @ symbol. Python Decorators

Higher-Order Functions:

Functions that take other functions as arguments or return functions as results. map, filter, and reduce are examples. Higher-Order Functions

Pre-existing Notes: