A Quick Guide to Functions in Python

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Functions are essential in Python for writing clean, modular, and reusable code. They allow you to encapsulate code logic and reuse it throughout your programs, making your code easier to maintain and debug.

What is a Function?

A function in Python is a block of code that performs a specific task. You define a function using the def keyword, followed by the function name and parentheses.

How to Define a Function

Here’s the basic syntax for defining a function:

def function_name(parameters):
    # Code block
    return result

For example, here’s a simple function that adds two numbers:

def add(a, b):
    return a + b

You can call this function by passing the required arguments:

print(add(3, 5))  # Output: 8

Key Points About Functions

1. Parameters and Arguments: Parameters are variables listed in a function’s definition. Arguments are the values you pass to the function when calling it.

2. Return Values: Functions can return a result using the return statement. If no return is provided, the function returns None by default.