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6.7 - Built-in vs User-defined Functions

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Introduction to Built-in Functions

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Teacher
Teacher

Today, we're discussing built-in functions in Python. Does anyone know what a built-in function is?

Student 1
Student 1

I think they are functions that come with Python.

Teacher
Teacher

That's correct! Built-in functions, like `print()` and `len()`, are pre-defined by Python. Can anyone give me an example of a built-in function?

Student 2
Student 2

`type()` is an example of a built-in function!

Teacher
Teacher

Excellent! Remember, built-in functions help save time since we don't need to write them from scratch.

Student 3
Student 3

So, they help us with common tasks easily?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! They are a fundamental part of Python's efficiency.

Teacher
Teacher

To recap, built-in functions are available for immediate use and help simplify programming.

What are User-defined Functions?

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Teacher
Teacher

Now, let's talk about user-defined functions. Can someone explain what those are?

Student 4
Student 4

They are functions we create ourselves, right?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! User-defined functions are made using the `def` keyword. For example, if we wanted to create a function to greet users, we would write it using `def greet()`. Can anyone share another example?

Student 1
Student 1

We could make a function to add two numbers!

Teacher
Teacher

Yes! When we define functions ourselves, we can tailor them to fit the specific tasks we need to accomplish.

Teacher
Teacher

Let's summarize: User-defined functions allow us flexibility and personalization in our coding.

Comparing Built-in and User-defined Functions

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Teacher
Teacher

Now, let's compare built-in and user-defined functions. Who can list a difference for me?

Student 2
Student 2

Built-in functions are pre-made, while user-defined functions are created by us!

Teacher
Teacher

Spot on! Built-in functions are available as soon as you start Python, but user-defined functions must be defined in your code first. Why might we choose to create a user-defined function?

Student 3
Student 3

To solve specific problems that built-in functions can't handle.

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! User-defined functions provide the ability to implement custom solutions. To conclude, knowing both types of functions expands our coding capabilities.

Introduction & Overview

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Quick Overview

This section outlines the distinction between built-in and user-defined functions in Python.

Standard

In Python, functions are categorized as either built-in or user-defined. Built-in functions are pre-defined functions provided by Python, like print() and len(), while user-defined functions are created by programmers using the 'def' keyword to perform specific tasks.

Detailed

Built-in vs User-defined Functions

In Python, functions are vital for organizing code and promoting reusability. This section explores the two primary categories of functions: built-in functions and user-defined functions. Built-in functions are pre-defined functions that come with Python, such as print(), len(), and type(). These are ready to use right out of the box, allowing developers to perform common tasks without needing to write additional code.

In contrast, user-defined functions are customized functions created by programmers. Using the def keyword, developers can define their own functions tailored to specific needs within their code. This allows for increased flexibility, as programmers can design functions that encapsulate complex logic or repetitive tasks unique to their particular application. Understanding the difference between these two types of functions is essential for efficient programming in Python.

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Built-in Functions

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Type Examples
Built-in
print(), len(), type(), range()

Detailed Explanation

Built-in functions are pre-defined functions that come with Python. You can use them without needing to define or create them yourself. Each built-in function has a specific purpose and is designed to make programming easier. For instance, print() is used to output data to the console, len() returns the number of items in an object, type() tells us the type of an object, and range() generates a sequence of numbers.

Examples & Analogies

Think of built-in functions as tools in a toolbox. Just like a hammer or screwdriver is always available to help you with tasks at home, built-in functions are always available in Python to help you with programming tasks.

User-defined Functions

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User- Defined using def
ed
defin keyword

Detailed Explanation

User-defined functions are those that you create yourself using the def keyword followed by the function name and its parameters. They are used to perform specific tasks that you need for your program that are not covered by built-in functions. This allows you to organize your code better, reuse code across different parts of your program, and make it more readable.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine you are a chef who creates your own recipes. Each recipe is like a user-defined function—it's custom-made to produce a specific dish. Just like you can share your recipes with friends, you can also share user-defined functions across your projects to simplify your coding tasks.

Definitions & Key Concepts

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Key Concepts

  • Built-in Functions: Functions like print() and len() available out-of-the-box in Python.

  • User-defined Functions: Custom functions defined by the programmer using the def keyword.

Examples & Real-Life Applications

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Examples

  • Built-in Example: print('Hello, World!') calls the built-in print function.

  • User-defined Example:

  • def greet(name):

  • print('Hello,', name)

  • greet('Alice') defines a function that greets a user by their name.

Memory Aids

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🎵 Rhymes Time

  • Built-ins are ready, and always precise, user-defined adds your special spice.

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Imagine Python as a chef: built-in functions are the prepped ingredients, while user-defined functions are your unique recipes.

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • UDFs stand for 'Unique, Defined Functions' you write yourself.

🎯 Super Acronyms

BIF (Built-In Functions) and UDF (User-Defined Functions) for ease of recall.

Flash Cards

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Glossary of Terms

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  • Term: Builtin Functions

    Definition:

    Pre-defined functions in Python that are readily available, such as print(), len(), and type().

  • Term: Userdefined Functions

    Definition:

    Functions created by a programmer using the 'def' keyword, tailored to perform specific tasks.