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6.7: Chapter Summary

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    117562
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    Highlights from this chapter include:

    • Functions are named blocks of code that perform tasks when called and make programs more organized and optimized.
    • Control flow is the sequence of program execution. Control flow moves between calling code and function code when a function is called.
    • Variable scope refers to where a variable can be accessed. Global variables can be accessed anywhere in a program. Local variables are limited in scope, such as to a function.
    • Parameters are function inputs defined with the function. Arguments are values passed to the function as input by the calling code. Parameters are assigned with the arguments' values.
    • Function calls can use positional arguments to map values to parameters in order.
    • Function calls can use keyword arguments to map values using parameter names in any order.
    • Functions can define default parameter values to allow for optional arguments in function calls.
    • Python uses a pass-by-object-reference system to assign parameters with the object values referenced by the arguments.
    • Functions can use return statements to return values back to the calling code.

    At this point, you should be able to write functions that have any number of parameters and return a value, and programs that call functions using keyword arguments and optional arguments.

    Construct Description
    Function definition
    def function_name():
      """Docstring"""
      # Function body
    
    Parameter
    def function_name(parameter_1):
      # Function body
    
    Argument
    def function_name(parameter_1):
      # Function body
        
    function_name(argument_1)
    
    Return statement
    def function_name():
      # Function body
      return result # Returns the value of result to the caller
    
    Variables (scope)
    def function_name(parameter_1):
      # Function body
      local_var = parameter_1 * 5
      return local_var
    
    global_var = function_name(arg_1)
    
    Keyword arguments
    def function_name(parameter_1, parameter_2):
      # Function body
        
    function_name(parameter_2 = 5, parameter_1 = 2)
    
    Default parameter value
    def function_name(parameter_1 = 100):
      # Function body
    
    Table 6.2 Chapter 6 reference.

    This page titled 6.7: Chapter Summary is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by OpenStax via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform.