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A function in Python
A function in Python is a block of organized, reusable code that is used to perform a single, related action. Functions provide better modularity for your application and a high degree of code reusing. They are defined using the def
keyword, can take parameters, and can return values.
Example 1: Defining and Calling a Simple Function
Let’s define a simple function that takes two numbers as arguments and returns their sum:
def add_numbers(num1, num2):
return num1 + num2
# Calling the function
result = add_numbers(10, 15)
print(result) # Output: 25
In this example, add_numbers
is a function that:
- Is defined using the
def
keyword followed by the function name and parameters in parentheses. - Takes two parameters,
num1
andnum2
. - Returns the sum of the parameters using the
return
statement.
When add_numbers(10, 15)
is called, the function is executed with num1
as 10 and num2
as 15, and the function's return value is assigned to the variable result
.
Example 2: Function with Default Parameters
Functions in Python can also have default parameter values. These are used if no argument value is passed during the function call.