Parameters and Arguments in Python Functions – Beginner’s Guide with Examples

Learn the difference between parameters and arguments in Python functions with this beginner-friendly guide. Discover how to define functions, use return statements, default and keyword arguments, and solve practical coding tasks with real-world examples. Perfect for students and new Python programmers.

Table of Contents

1. Parameters
2. Arguments
3. Example: Defining a Function with Parameters and Passing Arguments

Parameters are defined by the names that appear in a function definition, whereas arguments are the values actually passed to a function when calling it. Parameters define what kind of arguments a function can accept.

1. Parameters

• Definition: Variables declared in a function’s definition.
• Purpose: Act as placeholders for values that will be passed to the function when it’s called.
• Location: Inside the function’s parentheses.

2. Arguments

• Definition: Actual values passed to a function when it’s called.
• Purpose: Provide data for the function to work with.
• Location: Inside the function call parentheses.

See also the FAQ question of Python Documentation on the difference between arguments and parameters.

Example: Defining a Function with Parameters and Passing Arguments

def greet(name):  # 'name' is a parameter
    print("Hello,", name + "!")

greet("Alice")  # "Alice" is an argument

In this example:

• name is a parameter in the function greet.
• "Alice" is an argument passed to the function when it’s called.

To summarize:

• Parameters are defined before the function is called.
• Arguments are provided when the function is called.

Think of it like this:

• A parameter is like an empty box that expects a value.
• An argument is the value you put into the box.

Explore More Topics

📘 Learn Python

Tutorials, Roadmaps, Bootcamps & Visualization Projects

Python Fundamentals

Flow Control Statements

Python Functions

Fundamentals more ...

🧠 Python Advanced

Object-Oriented Programming in Python (OOP)

More...

🧠 Modules