Lecture Overview

• Topic: Modularisation in Python Functions

• Focus: Understanding modularisation, function definitions, and practical examples.

Page 1: Introduction

• Course Code: COMP101

• Lecture Number: 18

• Year: 2024-25

• Topic: Modularisation (Python functions)

Page 2: What is Modularisation?

• Definition: Modularisation is the process of breaking code into smaller, manageable segments called functions.

• Terminology:

  • Common Terms: Functions, Procedures, Routines, Subroutines, Modules, Methods.

  • Python's Preferred Terminology: Functions.

  • Related Concepts: Function Definition, User-defined Function.

Page 3: Functions vs. Procedures

• Functions:

  • Serve specific tasks and return values.

• Procedures:

  • Serve specific tasks but do not return values.

  • Python allows both functionalities in functions.

• Modules:

  • Collections of functions performing related tasks.

• Importance:

  • Functions improve code efficiency, maintenance, and reusability.

Page 4: Function Declaration

• Syntax: def funct_name():

  • def: Keyword to declare a function.

  • funct_name: User-defined function name.

  • Parentheses () and colon : follow the name.

  • Indented code: Code to be executed when called.

• Function Execution:

  • Control returns to the statement after the caller post execution.

Page 5: Non-Modular vs. Modular Code

• Non-Modular Code Example:

  • Directly prints menu and handles options within main body.

• Modular Code Example:

  • Introduces the use of functions to handle repetitive tasks like displaying under-development messages.

  • Function named stub can be reused as needed.

Page 6: Flow of Control in Modular Program

• Function Definition:

  • Uses def followed by function name.

• Flow of Control Steps:

  1. Call function using its name and parentheses.

  2. Function executes its indented code.

  3. Upon completion, control returns to the caller.

Page 7: Structure of a Modular Program

• Starting a program with main() function:

  • Use def main(): to define the main function.

  • Always call main() at the end to start program execution.

  • Import statements precede function definitions.

Page 8: Calling Functions

• Example Functions:

  • howToDoIf() and howToDoIfElse() demonstrate conditional statements.

  • Main function displays menu and calls respective functions based on user input.

• Program Execution Pattern:

  • Python scans for the main() call and executes the structured indented code.

Page 9: Step-by-Step Modular Program Development

• Step 1: Define the main function and call it.

  • Ensures that the program starts from a defined entry point.

Page 10: Implementing a While Loop

• Step 2: Adding a while loop in main() to ensure continuous menu display until exit.

  • User can only exit with 'X'.

Page 11: Input Validation

• Step 3: Include input validation for option selection.

  • Prompt re-entry for invalid inputs.

Page 12: Adding Functions and Testing

• Step 4: Define specific functions (e.g., partyDrinks(), findTheCards()) for each menu option.

  • Ensure functions are defined before use in the main program.

Page 13: Iterative Functionality

• Step 5: Add loop functionality in specific functions to allow user re-entry.

  • Example: partyDrinks() is tailored to run multiple times.

Page 14: Simple Program Structure

• Demonstrated the modular program using entry condition check via if __name__ statement.

  • Example of merged operational and standalone functions.

Page 15: Understanding __name__ Concept

• Explanation:

  • Python identifies .py files as modules, executing the code starting from main().

• Importance of if __name__ == '__main__'::

  • Distinguishes main program execution vs. when imported elsewhere.

  • The convention of utilizing double underscores:

    • Called "dunder" methods, which Python recognizes for specific functionalities.