Python Functions Tutor

This tutor provides a comprehensive guide to Python functions, covering both user-defined and built-in
functions, based on content from W3Schools: Python Functions and W3Schools: Python Built-in
Functions. It is designed to be beginner-friendly, with clear explanations and interactive examples.

User-Defined Functions

User-defined functions are blocks of code that perform specific tasks and can be reused throughout a
program. They are essential for organizing code and improving readability. Below are the key topics
covered:

Creating a Function

A function is defined using the def keyword followed by the function name and parentheses.

Example:def my_function():

print("Hello from a function")

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Calling a Function

To call a function, use the function name followed by parentheses.

Example:my_function()

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Arguments

Arguments are information passed into the function.

Example:def my_function(fname):

print(fname + " Refsnes")

my_function("Emil")

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Number of Arguments

The number of arguments passed to the function must match the number defined.

Example:def my_function(fname, lname):

print(fname + " " + lname)

my_function("Emil", "Refsnes")

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*Arbitrary Arguments (args)

Example:def my_function(*kids):

print("The youngest child is " + kids[2])

my_function("Emil", "Tobias", "Linus")

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Keyword Arguments

Keyword arguments are identified by their parameter names, allowing flexible order.

Example:def my_function(child3, child2, child1):

print("The youngest child is " + child3)

my_function(child1="Emil", child2="Tobias", child3="Linus")

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**Arbitrary Keyword Arguments (kwargs)

Use **kwargs to pass an arbitrary number of keyword arguments, received as a dictionary.

Example:def my_function(**kid):

print("His last name is " + kid["lname"])

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Default Parameter Value

Set a default value for a parameter, used if no argument is provided.

Example:def my_function(country="Norway"):

print("I am from " + country)

my_function()

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Passing a List as an Argument

Lists can be passed as arguments, allowing iteration within the function.

Example:def my_function(food):

for x in food:

print(x)

fruits = ["apple", "banana", "cherry"]

my_function(fruits)
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Return Values

Functions can return values using the return statement.

Example:def my_function(x):

return 5 * x

print(my_function(3))

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The pass Statement

Use pass as a placeholder for a function with no code yet.

Example:def myfunction():

pass

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Positional-Only Arguments

Arguments that must be passed positionally, specified with , /.

Example:def my_function(x, /):

print(x)

my_function(3)

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Keyword-Only Arguments

Arguments that must be passed by keyword, specified with *,.

Example:def my_function(*, x):

print(x)

my_function(x=3)

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Combine Positional-Only and Keyword-Only

Example:def my_function(a, b, /, *, c, d):

print(a + b + c + d)

my_function(5, 6, c=7, d=8)

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Recursion

A function calling itself to solve a problem iteratively.

Example:def tri_recursion(k):

if(k > 0):

result = k + tri_recursion(k - 1)

print(result)

else:

result = 0

return result

tri_recursion(6)

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Built-in Functions

Python provides a set of built-in functions that are always available and do not require importing. These
functions are essential for various programming tasks. Below is a selection of key built-in functions:

abs(): Returns the absolute value of a number.

all(): Returns True if all items in an iterable are true.

any(): Returns True if any item in an iterable is true.

ascii(): Returns a readable version of an object.

bin(): Returns the binary version of a number.

bool(): Returns the boolean value of the specified object.

bytearray(): Returns an array of bytes.

bytes(): Returns a bytes object.

callable(): Returns True if the specified object is callable.

chr(): Returns a character from the specified Unicode code.

For a complete list, visit Python Built-in Functions.

How to Use This Tutor

For Beginners: Start with the user-defined functions section to understand how to create and use
functions in Python.

For Intermediate Learners: Explore advanced topics like recursion, positional-only, and keyword-only
arguments.

For Reference: Use the built-in functions section as a quick reference for common tasks.

Each topic includes a "Try it Yourself" link, providing an interactive environment to test the code
examples directly on w3schools.com.