Python Functions

Function Definition: Function is a group of statements which performs a specific task. It is also known as a Sub-routine or a Procedure or a Method.

In most programming languages two types of functions available:

• Library Functions (also known as System defined function, for example print(), input(), etc.)
• User defined functions (written by programmers, for example calculate(), find_area(), etc.)

Let's learn how Python Functions works.

Defining a Python Function

Following simple rules are followed while defining Python Functions:

• Function blocks begin with the def keyword; followed by the function name and parentheses (  ).
• Any number of parameters or arguments can be placed within function parentheses.
• In the beginning of functions, writing a short comments about a function is one of the standard practice. 
• Function code begins with a colon(:) and has indentation.
• return statement at the end indicates end of function.

Syntax of Python Function

def function_name( arguments ):
   "function comments"
   function logic / code
   return

By default, arguments or parameters have a positional behavior and you need to write in the same order as they defined.

Python Function Example

The following python function prints line with a specified character as an parameter.

def print_line( chr ):
   "This function prints a line of given character"
   for i in range(0,15)
      print (chr)
   return

print_line('*')

print("")

print(" Welcome to Python Practicals ")

print_line('=')

Output of program

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

 Welcome to Python Practicals 

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = 

* * * * *

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