Python Functions and Argument Passing

Vocabulary flashcards covering Python functions, decomposition, syntax, parameters, arguments, shadowing, and argument passing rules from Cisco Networking Academy Module 4 Part 1.

Decomposition

The process of dividing a complex program or problem into smaller, well-isolated pieces implemented as separate functions to simplify encoding, testing, and team collaboration.

Sources of Python Functions

Functions in Python originate from three main places: built-in functions integrated in Python itself, pre-installed Python modules, and user-defined functions written directly in code.

Built-in functions

Functions that are an integral part of Python and are always available to the programmer without requiring any additional imports or setup (e.g., print()).

User-defined functions

Functions written directly by programmers within their own code to perform specific tasks and be reused freely.

def

The Python keyword used at the beginning of a function definition to declare a new function.

Function body

The block of nested instructions placed directly below the def header line that is executed whenever the function is called.

Parameter

A variable defined between the parentheses in a function's def statement that exists only inside the function and receives values passed upon invocation.

Argument

A value specified outside a function during its invocation that is passed into the corresponding parameter of the function.

Shadowing

A mechanism in Python where a function parameter shadows any external variable of the same name within the body of that defining function.

Positional parameter passing

An argument passing technique that assigns the $i^{\text{th}}$ argument to the $i^{\text{th}}$ parameter based strictly on their order in the function call.

Keyword argument passing

An argument passing technique where the target parameter name and an = sign precede each passed value, making argument order irrelevant.

Default parameter values

Predefined values assigned to parameters using the = operator in the function definition, used whenever corresponding arguments are omitted during function invocation.

Rule for mixing positional and keyword arguments

An unbreakable Python rule requiring all positional arguments to be placed before any keyword arguments in a function call.

Function invocation execution flow

The process where Python records the invocation location, jumps to execute the function's body, and returns to the line directly after the invocation point once the function finishes.