Argument

Definition

An argument is a value that is passed to a function when it is called. Arguments are used by functions to perform operations or calculations based on the provided input.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Arguments can be required or optional depending on how the function is defined.
2. Functions can accept multiple arguments, separated by commas within the parentheses.
3. The order of arguments matters and they must match the function's parameter list.
4. Default values can be assigned to parameters, allowing a function to be called with fewer arguments than defined.
5. Arguments can be passed by position or by keyword (name=value).

Review Questions

• What happens if you call a function without providing all required arguments?
• How can you assign default values to parameters in a function?
• Explain the difference between passing arguments by position and by keyword.

Related terms

Function: A block of reusable code that performs a specific task when called.

Parameter: A variable in the definition of a function that specifies what kind of arguments it can accept.

Keyword Argument: $An$ argument passed to a function preceded by its parameter name (e.g., name=value).