Arguments and Return in Python Functions

In Python, we often want to give some input values to a function and also get an output back. The values we give are called arguments and the output we get is called a return value.

This makes our code reusable and easy to manage. A function in Python can:

Take zero, one or many arguments
Return a value back to where it was called

Parameters vs Arguments

Many times, people mix up these two words. But they are slightly different.

Parameter	Argument
Variable names given in the function definition.	Actual values given in the function call.
Works like a placeholder inside the function.	These values get copied to the parameters.
Example: `def add(a, b):` here `a` & `b` are parameters.	Example: `add(5, 3)` here `5` & `3` are arguments.

What are Arguments?

Arguments are the values we pass to a function when we call it. These values go into the parameters of the function.

Syntax:

def function_name(parameter1, parameter2):
    # code using the parameters
    ...

function_name(value1, value2)

Example 1: Function with arguments but no return

def greet(name):
    print("Hello,", name)

greet("Devanshi")

Output:

Hello, Devanshi

Explanation:

name is a parameter in the function definition.
"Devanshi" is an argument passed during the function call.
This function does not return anything, it only prints.

What is Return?

The return statement is used to send a value back from the function to where it was called. When Python sees return, it immediately exits the function.

Syntax with Return:

def function_name(parameters):
    # code
    return value

result = function_name(arguments)
print(result)

Note: The returned value can be stored in a variable or used directly.

Example 2: Function with arguments and return value

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

result = add(4, 6)
print("Sum is:", result)

Output:

Sum is: 10

Explanation:

a and b are parameters.
4 and 6 are arguments given at the time of calling.
return a + b sends back the result which gets stored in result.

Example 3: Function returning a string

def message(name):
    return "Welcome, " + name

print(message("Student"))

Output:

Welcome, Student

Explanation:

This function takes name as a parameter.
Returns a greeting string using the argument passed.
We directly print the returned value.

Summary:

                		Parameters: Names used inside the function definition to receive values.
Arguments: Actual values we send to the function when calling it.
Return: Used to send a result back to the caller.
Functions can have parameters, return values, both, or neither.
return ends the function and sends the output immediately.

                

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