Function Arguments and Return Values

Functions often require inputs to perform tasks. These inputs are called arguments.

You can also make functions return values, allowing you to reuse results elsewhere in your code.

These are the most common type of arguments. You pass values in the exact order the function expects them.

Copy
def multiply(x, y):
    print("Product:", x * y)

multiply(2, 4)

• x gets 2, y gets 4
• The result printed is Product: 8

Instead of just printing, functions can send a value back using return.

Copy
def multiply(x, y):
    return x * y

result = multiply(2, 4)
print("Result:", result)

• The function calculates the product and returns it.
• We store the result in a variable and print it later.

You can also pass values by name, offering greater flexibility and readability.

Copy
def introduce(name, age):
    print(name, "is", age, "years old.")

introduce(age=12, name="Liam")

• The order of arguments doesn’t matter when using names.
• This improves clarity and helps prevent mistakes.

You can assign default values in a function definition to make certain arguments optional.

Copy
def greet(name="friend"):
    print("Hello,", name)

greet()
greet("Sophie")

• The first call uses the default ("friend").
• The second call overrides it with "Sophie".