24. Function definitions - Data Structures and Algorithms in Python
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24. Function definitions

24. Function definitions

The chapter outlines the fundamentals of function definitions in Python, emphasizing the concepts of argument passing, default values, and function reassignment. It illustrates how functions can be defined with optional arguments and highlighted the flexibility of calling functions using named arguments. Additionally, the chapter covers practical applications, such as customizing sorting behavior through comparison functions.

13 sections

Sections

Navigate through the learning materials and practice exercises.

  1. 24.1
    Programming Data Structures And Algorithms In Python

    This section covers function definitions in Python, highlighting argument...

  2. 24.1.1
    Function Definitions

    This section covers how function definitions work in Python, including...

  3. 24.2
    Function Arguments And Defaults

    This section discusses how functions in Python can accept arguments,...

  4. 24.2.1
    Passing Values By Argument Names

    This section explains how Python allows passing values to functions using...

  5. 24.2.2
    Using Default Values

    This section discusses how default values for function arguments can...

  6. 24.3
    Default Value Constraints

    This section explains the flexibility of function definitions in Python,...

  7. 24.4
    Redefining Functions

    This section discusses how Python functions can be redefined and how to...

  8. 24.4.1
    Conditionally Defining Functions

    This section discusses the flexibility of function definitions in Python,...

  9. 24.4.2
    Mapping Functions To New Names

    This section discusses how functions in Python can be mapped to new names,...

  10. 24.5
    Using Functions As First-Class Objects

    This section explores the concept of functions as first-class objects in...

  11. 24.5.1
    Applying Functions Multiple Times

    This section covers how functions in Python can be applied multiple times...

  12. 24.5.2
    Custom Sorting Functions

    This section covers how to create custom sorting functions in Python,...

  13. 24.6
    Summary Of Function Behaviors

    This section focuses on the behavior of functions in Python, particularly...

What we have learnt

  • Functions in Python can have default values for arguments.
  • Function definitions can be conditionally assigned and can be reassigned to different bodies.
  • Functions can be passed around as first-class objects, allowing for higher-order functions.

Key Concepts

-- Default Arguments
Arguments that assume a default value if not provided during function calls.
-- Function Reassignment
The ability to redefine a function to point to a new body of code.
-- HigherOrder Functions
Functions that can take other functions as arguments or return them as results.

Additional Learning Materials

Supplementary resources to enhance your learning experience.