Python Function Arguments
3 min read ·
Function arguments are values that are passed to a function when it is called.
They allow functions to work with different data and make functions more flexible.
Arguments vs Parameters
- Parameter → variable in function definition
- Argument → value passed during function call
1. Positional Arguments
Arguments are passed in the same order as parameters.
a = 10b = 20
Order Matters in Positional Arguments
Different order gives different results.
2. Keyword Arguments
Arguments are passed using parameter names.
- Order does not matter
- Improves readability
Mixing Positional and Keyword Arguments
Caution
Positional arguments must come before keyword arguments.
3. Default Arguments
Default values are used when no argument is provided.
Default Argument Example
4. Arbitrary Arguments (*args)
Used when you do not know how many arguments will be passed.
- Arguments are received as a tuple
*args with Other Parameters
5. Arbitrary Keyword Arguments (**kwargs)
Used to pass key–value pairs.
- Arguments are received as a dictionary
*args vs **kwargs
Function Call with Arguments from User Input
Passing List as Argument
Returning Multiple Values
Common Mistakes with Arguments
Missing Required Argument ❌
Extra Arguments ❌
Stop
Number of arguments must match function definition unless using *args.
Real World Example
Real World Scenario
User profile creation using function arguments
Exercise
Practice Task
- Create a function using positional arguments
- Use keyword arguments to call a function
- Create a function with default arguments
- Use
*argsto calculate product of numbers - Use
**kwargsto print employee details