Function definitions¶

You can define your own functions. Functions are introduced using the keyword def. You then need to provide

a name of your function
the arguments (just like variables)
the body of the function (a code fragment to calculate what you want with the arguments)
a return statement to indicate the value that the function has calculated given the arguments.

Note

Functions in Python are a little bit more general than functions in mathematics. They can be used to define commands. In this case they might not calculate a value, just have an effect. In this case there is no need for a return statement.

The book Introduction to programming in Python presents function definitions in chapter 2.1

A concise presentation of Python

Function definitions

Function definitions¶