In Python (programming language), a function is a block of reusable code that performs a specific task.

Functions help to:

  • Avoid repeating code
  • Make programs organized
  • Improve readability
  • Make debugging easier

πŸ”Ή Defining a Function

In Python, functions are defined using the def keyword.

Syntax

def function_name():
# code block

πŸ”Ή Example: Simple Function

def greet():
print("Hello, Welcome to Python!")greet()

Output:

Hello, Welcome to Python!

Here:

  • greet() is the function name
  • The function runs when it is called

πŸ”Ή Function with Parameters

Functions can accept inputs called parameters.

def greet(name):
print("Hello,", name)

greet("Rahul")

Output:

Hello, Rahul

πŸ”Ή Function with Return Value

Functions can return a value using the return keyword.

def add(a, b):
return a + b

result = add(5, 3)
print(result)

Output:

8

πŸ”Ή Default Parameters

You can give default values to parameters.

def greet(name="Guest"):
print("Hello,", name)greet()
greet("Alice")

Output:

Hello, Guest
Hello, Alice

πŸ”Ή Multiple Return Values

Python allows returning multiple values.

def calculate(a, b):
return a + b, a - b

sum_result, diff_result = calculate(10, 5)
print(sum_result, diff_result)

Output:

15 5

πŸ”Ή Lambda (Anonymous) Functions

A lambda function is a small, single-line function.

square = lambda x: x * x
print(square(5))

Output:

25

πŸ”Ή Scope of Variables

Variables inside a function are called local variables.
Variables outside are called global variables.

x = 10  # globaldef show():
y = 5 # local
print(x, y)show()

⭐ Key Points

  • Functions are defined using def.
  • They can take parameters.
  • They can return values.
  • Lambda functions are short, single-expression functions.
  • Functions improve code organization and reuse.