Скачать или смотреть Understanding the Difference Between Arguments and Parameters in Python Functions

Discover the key differences between `arguments` and `parameters` in Python functions. Learn how to effectively use them in your code with helpful examples and clarifications.
---
This video is based on the question https://stackoverflow.com/q/76362069/ asked by the user 'Utkarsh Jha' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/21983557/ ) and on the answer https://stackoverflow.com/a/76362105/ provided by the user 'Sahan' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/14561731/ ) at 'Stack Overflow' website. Thanks to these great users and Stackexchange community for their contributions.

Visit these links for original content and any more details, such as alternate solutions, latest updates/developments on topic, comments, revision history etc. For example, the original title of the Question was: what is the difference between argument and parameter in python functions with reference of actual and formal parameter

Also, Content (except music) licensed under CC BY-SA https://meta.stackexchange.com/help/l...
The original Question post is licensed under the 'CC BY-SA 4.0' ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... ) license, and the original Answer post is licensed under the 'CC BY-SA 4.0' ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... ) license.

If anything seems off to you, please feel free to write me at vlogize [AT] gmail [DOT] com.
---
Understanding the Difference Between Arguments and Parameters in Python Functions

When diving into the world of Python programming, one often encounters the terms arguments and parameters. While many might think these terms are interchangeable, they actually represent distinct concepts in the context of functions. Understanding the difference between these two can significantly enhance how you write and understand Python functions. In this guide, we'll break down these terms, illustrate their differences, and provide examples to clarify their usage.

What Are Parameters?

Parameters are the variables listed in a function's definition. They act as placeholders that allow you to pass information into a function. When you define a function, you specify parameters that the function can accept.

Example of Parameters

When we define a function, we declare its parameters like this:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

In this case, param_1 and param_2 are parameters of the function func.

What Are Arguments?

On the other hand, arguments are the actual values or data you pass to the function when you invoke (or call) it. Arguments are what you provide to the function based on its parameter requirements.

Example of Arguments

Continuing from our previous example, let's see a function call where we pass the actual values:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Here, arg_1 and arg_2 are arguments supplied to the function func.

Key Differences Between Arguments and Parameters

To summarize, here's a quick bullet-point rundown of the distinctions:

Parameters:

Declared in the function definition.

Act as placeholders for the input values.

Example: param_1, param_2 in the function def func(param_1, param_2).

Arguments:

Actual values passed into a function when it is called.

Correspond to the defined parameters.

Example: arg_1, arg_2 in the call func(arg_1, arg_2).

Common Terminology: Actual vs. Formal

In programming discussions, you might hear references to actual parameters and formal parameters:

Actual Parameters: This is another term for arguments. They are the values you pass to the function.

Formal Parameters: This term refers to the parameters defined in the function. They don't hold any actual value until the function is called with arguments.

In Summary

Parameters accept input values within the function definition.

Arguments are the values you use when you call the function.

It's important to distinguish between actual parameters (arguments) and formal parameters (parameters) to communicate effectively in programming discussions.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between arguments and parameters is crucial for effective programming in Python. Whether you're defining functions or invoking them, clarity on these terms will ensure you communicate your ideas effectively and avoid common pitfalls. Next time you write a function, remember this key distinction and see how it enhances your coding practices.