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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.

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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
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