Function Arguments in Python: Complete Guide | FACE Prep

Function Arguments in Python: Complete Guide | FACE Prep

Understanding Function Arguments in Python

In Python, functions can be defined with or without parameters. If a function includes parameters, arguments must be passed to these parameters when the function is called. In simple terms, function arguments are the input values provided to the parameters in the function definition.This article will explore different types of arguments in Python, provide practical examples, and suggest visuals to enhance understanding.Function Arguments in Python

Types of Function Arguments in Python

Python functions support various types of arguments:
  1. Positional Arguments
  2. Keyword Arguments
  3. Default Arguments
  4. Variable-Length Positional Arguments
  5. Variable-Length Keyword Arguments

1. Positional Arguments

Positional arguments are assigned to the parameters in the function definition in sequential order. For example:
# Function definition
def employee(name, age, salary):
    print("Employee Name:", name)
    print("Employee Age:", age)
    print("Employee Salary:", salary)

# Function calls
employee("Jack", 22, 20000)
employee("John", 23, 21000)
Output:
Employee Name: Jack
Employee Age: 22
Employee Salary: 20000

Employee Name: John
Employee Age: 23
Employee Salary: 21000

2. Keyword Arguments

Keyword arguments are passed using the parameter names, eliminating the need to maintain a specific order. For instance:
# Function call using keyword arguments
employee(age=22, name="Jack", salary=20000)
employee(salary=21000, name="John", age=23)
Output:
Employee Name: Jack
Employee Age: 22
Employee Salary: 20000

Employee Name: John
Employee Age: 23
Employee Salary: 21000

3. Default Arguments

Default arguments allow parameters to have predefined values. These values are used if no arguments are passed for the respective parameter:
# Function definition with default arguments
def employee(name, age=23, salary=20000):
    print("Employee Name:", name)
    print("Employee Age:", age)
    print("Employee Salary:", salary)

# Function calls
employee(name="Jack", age=22)
employee(name="John", salary=21000)
Output:
Employee Name: Jack
Employee Age: 22
Employee Salary: 20000

Employee Name: John
Employee Age: 23
Employee Salary: 21000
 

*4. Variable-Length Positional Arguments (args)

Variable-length positional arguments allow a function to accept an arbitrary number of arguments, which are stored as a tuple:
# Function with *args
def var_args(*args):
    print(args)

var_args("Python", 30, 29.56)
Output:
('Python', 30, 29.56)
 

**5. Variable-Length Keyword Arguments (kwargs)

Keyword arguments can also be variable-length using **kwargs. These arguments are stored in a dictionary, where keys are parameter names and values are their respective arguments:
# Function with **kwargs
def var_args(**kwargs):
    print(kwargs)

var_args(language="Python", level="Advanced", days=60)
Output:
{'language': 'Python', 'level': 'Advanced', 'days': 60}
 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the types of function arguments in Python?

Python supports positional, keyword, default, variable-length positional (*args), and variable-length keyword (**kwargs) arguments.

2. What are function parameters in Python?

Function parameters are variables defined in the function declaration that receive values (arguments) when the function is called.

Key Takeaways

  • Positional arguments must follow the correct order.
  • Keyword arguments eliminate the risk of incorrect ordering.
  • Default arguments provide fallback values.
  • Variable-length arguments (*args and **kwargs) handle flexible input.
 Function Arguments in Python
 
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