Welcome to the Treehouse Community
Want to collaborate on code errors? Have bugs you need feedback on? Looking for an extra set of eyes on your latest project? Get support with fellow developers, designers, and programmers of all backgrounds and skill levels here with the Treehouse Community! While you're at it, check out some resources Treehouse students have shared here.
Looking to learn something new?
Treehouse offers a seven day free trial for new students. Get access to thousands of hours of content and join thousands of Treehouse students and alumni in the community today.
Start your free trial
Caitlin Blaney
114 PointsCan someone please explain what I am doing wrong def function = "square"
def function = "square"
2 Answers
Steven Parker
231,268 PointsThe syntax for defining a function doesn't actually involve the word "function". Just the "def" keyword, the name of the function (without quotes), a pair of parentheses with any arguments listed inside, and a colon. You might want to review the Functions video and get another look at the examples shown in it.
And to pass the challenge, you will also need some code that returns the computed value.
Caitlin Blaney
114 PointsI've reviewed the videos... I just don't understand this. Your answer, these questions, the quizzes... any of this. I'm totally stumped. What is a "syntax"? What is a "function"? What does any of this stuff mean??
Steven Parker
231,268 PointsSteven Parker
231,268 PointsThe syntax is simply the rules you have to go by to construct statements that the computer will understand and follow.
A function is a separate bit of code that does a specific task. You could perhaps think of it as a "mini-program". Early in that video the instructor says that functions ... provide a way for you to group multiple statements together to use later. They help you avoid duplicating your code.