TOPIC 4: Functions & Code Documentation

2. Function Parameters and Return Values

Functions can accept parameters and return values.

• Parameters: These are values passed into the function when called. Parameters allow the function to operate on different data each time it is called.
• Return Values: Functions can send a value back to the caller using the return keyword. The return statement allows you to output a result from the function.

Example 1: Function with Multiple Parameters

def multiply(x, y):
    return x * y

result = multiply(4, 5)
print(result)  # Output: 20

Explanation:

• The function multiply(x, y) takes two parameters, x and y, multiplies them, and returns the result.
• The function is called with the arguments 4 and 5, and the result is stored in result.

Example 2: Function with Default Parameters

Functions can have default values for parameters, which are used if no value is passed when calling the function.

def greet(name="Guest"):
    print(f"Hello, {name}!")

greet("Alice")  # Output: Hello, Alice!
greet()         # Output: Hello, Guest!

Explanation:

• The function greet(name="Guest") has a default value for the name parameter.
• If no argument is passed to greet(), it defaults to "Guest". If an argument is passed (e.g., "Alice"), it uses that value.