💡 What are Functions?
Functions in Python are reusable blocks of code that perform specific tasks. They help in organizing code, reducing redundancy, and improving readability. Think of them as mini-programs within your code!
Core Concepts
Definition: Use
def
keyword to create a function.
Example:def greet(name): return f"Hello, {name}!"
Parameters: Inputs passed to the function.
- Positional arguments
- Keyword arguments
- Default arguments
Return Value: Use
return
to output results.- Can return multiple values
- Returns
None
by default
Scope: Variables defined inside a function are local.
Example Usage
💻 Basic Function Call
result = calculate_area(5, 10)
print(result) # Output: 50
Best Practices
✅ Tips for Writing Effective Functions
- Use descriptive names (e.g.,
calculate_sum
instead offunc1
) - Avoid using global variables inside functions
- Add docstrings to explain purpose and usage
- Keep functions focused on a single task
Expand Your Knowledge
📚 Learn Python Basics to understand how functions fit into the bigger picture of programming.
Advanced Topics
- Lambda functions (anonymous functions)
- Higher-order functions (e.g.,
map
,filter
) - Decorators for extending functionality
- Error handling with
try-except
blocks
For more examples, check out Python Functions in Action.