4.11: Glossary
- Page ID
- 41399
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- method:
- A function that is associated with an object and called using dot notation.
- loop:
- A part of a program that can run repeatedly.
- encapsulation:
- The process of transforming a sequence of statements into a function definition.
- generalization:
- The process of replacing something unnecessarily specific (like a number) with something appropriately general (like a variable or parameter).
- keyword argument:
- An argument that includes the name of the parameter as a “keyword”.
- interface:
- A description of how to use a function, including the name and descriptions of the arguments and return value.
- refactoring:
- The process of modifying a working program to improve function interfaces and other qualities of the code.
- development plan:
- A process for writing programs.
- docstring:
- A string that appears at the top of a function definition to document the function’s interface.
- precondition:
- A requirement that should be satisfied by the caller before a function starts.
- postcondition:
- A requirement that should be satisfied by the function before it ends.