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Python Python Basics Functions and Looping Functions

rudy19
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rudy19
Python Web Development Techdegree Student 507 Points

Creating a function

•When creating: def yell(text) •What is the purpose/significance of entering "text" in the parameters? •What if I entered "number" instead? •And will the function still work if I type: def yell() •Or will it all come back faulty because the function is being used for editing text that is going to be printed, thus why we enter "text"?

•Also, why can't I enter space when a question?

•I have to press enter key twice to not have my sentences glued together like the ones above

1 Answer

John Lack-Wilson
John Lack-Wilson
8,181 Points

The text parameter between the parenthesis allows you to use the variable text within the function. If you do not specify a parameter then you cannot use one within the function. Here's an example of two functions to clear it up (hopefully):

def hello(name):
    print("Hello, " + name)

def hello():
    print("Hello, ")

You'll notice in the second hello() function I cannot use name, as it was not passed to the function for me to use. Whereas, I am able to customise a greeting in the first hello(name) function.

As per your second question. You could use number as the name of the parameter if you wanted to. It is a variable i.e. it can hold whatever value you want it to. Best practice would be to call it something that makes sense, like my name parameter in the above functions.