Learn how to create and use functions in Python from "summary" of Python For Dummies by Stef Maruch,Aahz Maruch
Functions are one of the most powerful features of Python. They allow you to encapsulate a piece of code and reuse it whenever you need to perform a specific task. This can save you a lot of time and effort, especially when you have to perform the same task multiple times in your program. To create a function in Python, you use the def keyword followed by the name of the function and a set of parentheses. Inside the parentheses, you can specify any parameters that the function will take as input. After the parentheses, you use a colon to indicate the beginning of the function body. The function body consists of one or more statements that define what the function does when it is called. When you call a function, you simply use its name followed by a set of parentheses. If the function takes any parameters, you can pass them inside the parentheses. The function will then execute its body and return a result if necessary. Functions in Python can return a value using the return statement. This allows you to pass data back to the code that called the function. You can use the return statement to return a single value or a collection of values, such as a tuple or a list. You can also define default values for function parameters, which allows you to call the function without passing any arguments for those parameters. This can be useful when you have parameters that are used most of the time with the same value. Another important concept in Python functions is scope. Each function creates its own scope, which is a namespace where variables and other identifiers are stored. Variables defined inside a function are local to that function and cannot be accessed from outside. By learning how to create and use functions in Python, you can make your code more modular and easier to understand. Functions allow you to break down complex problems into smaller, more manageable parts. This can help you write code that is easier to test, maintain, and debug.
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