<< Chapter < Page Chapter >> Page >
This module explains how to tap into some of the more-powerful capabilities of Python functions using required arguments, default arguments, keyword arguments, and variable-length arguments.

Table of contents

Preface

This module is one in a collection of modules on Python designed for teaching ITSE 1359 Introduction to Scripting Languages: Python at Austin Community College in Austin, TX.

What you have learned

You learned the basics of defining and calling Python functions in the earlier module titled Itse1359-1270-Functions .

What you will learn

In this module, you will learn how to tap into some of the more-powerful capabilities of functions involving optional ways to use arguments. This willinclude an explanation of

  • required arguments,
  • default arguments,
  • keyword arguments, and
  • variable-length arguments.

Viewing tip

I recommend that you open another copy of this module in a separate browser window and use the following links to easily find and view the Figuresand the Listings while you are reading about them.

(Note to blind and visually impaired students: most of the Figures and all of the Listings inthis module are presented in plain text format and should be accessible using an audio screen reader or a braille display. Note however that the requiredindentation may not be properly represented by an audio screen reader.)

Figures

  • Figure 1 . Output from the code in Listing 1.
  • Figure 2 . Visualization of the code in Listing 1.
  • Figure 3 . Output from the code in Listing 2.
  • Figure 4 . Output produced by the code in Listing 3.
  • Figure 5 . Output produced by the code in Listing 4.
  • Figure 6 . Output produced by the code in Listing 5.
  • Figure 7 . Visualization of variable-length arguments.

Listings

  • Listing 1 . A list-modifier function.
  • Listing 2 . Another list-modifier function.
  • Listing 3 . Illustration of default arguments.
  • Listing 4 . Illustration of keyword arguments.
  • Listing 5 . Illustration of variable-length arguments.

General background information

The overall topic of function arguments in Python is broad and relatively complex. A complete treatment of the topic is beyond the scope of this collection of modules.Instead, I will provide some examples of what is possible. For a more compete treatment, I will refer you to The Python Tutorial -- More on Defining Functions and tutorialspoint -- Python Functions .

One of the fundamental concepts in computer programming is whether function parameters are passed by value or by reference . If a parameter is passed by value, the function receives a copy of the thing referred to by theparameter. Modifying that thing in the function will not modify the original.

Get Jobilize Job Search Mobile App in your pocket Now!

Get it on Google Play Download on the App Store Now




Source:  OpenStax, Itse 1359 introduction to scripting languages: python. OpenStax CNX. Jan 22, 2016 Download for free at https://legacy.cnx.org/content/col11713/1.32
Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google Inc.

Notification Switch

Would you like to follow the 'Itse 1359 introduction to scripting languages: python' conversation and receive update notifications?

Ask