Python Function Basics Tutorial

Python Function:

A function is a block of code to perform a specified task.

In this context, there is a function call and there is a function definition.

When a function is calling then the function definition is executing.

We can pass data known as parameters(arguments) into a function.

At the time of function call whatever we take arguments, is known as actual arguments and at the time of function call, we take arguments is known as formal arguments.

Here actual arguments equals to the formal arguments.

A function can return a value as result.

In python a function is defined by using def keyword.

Example(without arguments):

def show():    #function definition

    print('python means SILAN Technology')

show()     #function call

output:

python means SILAN Technology

Example(with arguments)

def area(base,height):     #function definition

    a=0.5*base*height

    print("area of triangle is:",a)

area(4.5,5.6)    #function call

output:

area of triangle is: 12.6

 Passing a List as an argument

We can take any data types of argument to a function like string, number, list, dictionary etc., and it will be treated as the same data type inside the function.

For example, if we take a List as an argument, it will still be a List when it reaches the function:

Example

def fruits_detail(items):

  for k in items:

    print(k)

fruits = ["apple", "banana","orange", "cherry"]

fruits_detail(fruits)

output

apple

banana

orange

cherry

Return Values

A function returns a value explicitly by using return statement.

Example

def calculate(x):

  return 7* x

print(calculate(2))

print(calculate(3))

print(calculate(4))

output

14

21

28

Written By:

Trilochan Tarai

SILAN Technology,BBSR