Defining Functions in Python
- We begin a function definition with the def keyword, followed by the name we might wish to offer our function.
- We have the parameters after the name, also called arguments, for the function enclosed in parentheses.
- A function may have no parameters, or it can have multiple parameters.
- Parameters permit us to call a function and pass it data, with the data being available inside the function as variables with the same name because of the parameters.
- In the end, we put a colon at the highest of the road.
- The function body starts after the colon, It’s important to note that in Python the function body is delimited by indentation.
- This advised that every one code indented to the right following a function definition may be a component of the function body.
- The initial line that’s not indented is that the boundary of the function body. It’s up to you ways many spaces you use when indenting—-just inform be consistent.
- Hence if we decide to indent with four spaces, you’d wish to use four spaces everywhere in our code.
- A variety () function is often employed by passing it one parameter, and it generated a sequence of numbers from 0 to at least one but we specified. But the range() function can do far more than that.
- We would say in two parameters: the primary specifying our start line, the second specifying the top point.
- Remember that the sequence generated won’t contain the last element; it’ll stop one before the parameter specified.
Range Function
- The range() function can take a 3rd parameter,too.This third parameter allows you to alter the dimensions of every step. Perhaps then creating a sequence of numbers incremented by 1.
- We’ll create a sequence of numbers that are incremented by 5.
- One parameter would generate a sequence, one-by-one, from zero to at least one but the parameter.
- Two parameters will generate a sequence, one-by-one, from the primary parameter to at least one but the second parameter.
- Three parameters would create a sequence starting with the primary parameter and stopping before the second parameter, but this point increases each step by the third parameter.
Returning Values Using Functions
- We sometimes do not need a function to easily run and finish. We might want a function to control data we passed it then return the result to us.
- This is mostly where the concept of return values comes in handy. We use the return keyword during a function, which tells the function to pass data back.
- Once we call the function, we will store the returned value during a variable.
- Return values permit our functions to be more flexible and powerful, in order that they are often reused and called multiple times.
- The function may even return multiple values. Just do not forget to store all returned values in variables.
- We’ll even have a function return nothing, during which case the function simply exits.