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Lecture 5 - Functions in Python PDF

The document discusses functions in Python. It defines a function as a group of statements that perform a task. Functions allow for readability, maintainability, and code reuse. To define a function in Python, you use the def keyword followed by the function name and parameters in parentheses. The code block is indented, and return passes back values. Calling a function executes the code block. An example calculates average marks by defining an average() function to reuse. Lab exercises are provided to practice defining functions for calculations.

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malvin muthoni
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
152 views

Lecture 5 - Functions in Python PDF

The document discusses functions in Python. It defines a function as a group of statements that perform a task. Functions allow for readability, maintainability, and code reuse. To define a function in Python, you use the def keyword followed by the function name and parameters in parentheses. The code block is indented, and return passes back values. Calling a function executes the code block. An example calculates average marks by defining an average() function to reuse. Lab exercises are provided to practice defining functions for calculations.

Uploaded by

malvin muthoni
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Lecture 5 – Functions in Python.

BBT 4211 - BCOM – Kurui Daniel


Content

• What are functions?


• Why do we use functions?
• How to declare a function in Python
• Calling/invoking a function in python

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What is a function?

• A function is a group of statements that together perform a task.


• You can divide up your code into separate functions.
• How you divide up your code among different functions is up to you, but
logically the division usually is such that each function performs a specific
task
• As you already know, Python gives you many built-in functions like print(),
etc. but you can also create your own functions. These functions are
called user-defined functions.

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Why do we use functions?
• Imagine given a task to calculate the
average marks for some students given
some marks.

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Why do we use functions? Cont’d

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Why do we use functions?
We need to define our own functions because of the following:

a) Readability: sqrt(5) is clearer than copy-pasting in an algorithm to compute


the square root

b) Maintainability: To change the algorithm, just change the function (vs


changing it everywhere you ever used it)

c) Code reuse: Lets other people use algorithms you’ve implemented

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Defining a Function in Python

• You can define functions to provide the required functionality. Here are
simple rules to define a function in Python.
• Function blocks begin with the keyword def followed by the function name
and parentheses ( ( ) ).
• Any input parameters or arguments should be placed within these
parentheses. You can also define parameters inside these parentheses.
• The first statement of a function can be an optional statement - the
documentation string of the function or docstring.
• The code block within every function starts with a colon (:) and is indented.
• The statement return [expression] exits a function, optionally passing back an
expression to the caller. A return statement with no arguments is the same as
return None.

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Defining a Function in Python cont’d

• Python function Syntax

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Defining a Function in Python cont’d

• Python function example

• Function name: my_function


• The function prints what is passed in

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Calling/invoking a function in python

• Defining a function only gives it a name, specifies the parameters that are
to be included in the function and structures the blocks of code.
• Once the basic structure of a function is finalized, you can execute it by
calling it from another function or directly from the Python prompt.
• Following is the example to call my_funtion() function

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Our previous problem solution

• We create a function then call it every time we need to get average mark
for our students:

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The End!

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Lab Exercises

Using functions, write python programs to :


1. find the area and perimeter of :
• Circle
• Rectangle
• Triangle
2. Calculate simple interest of a loan
3. Calculate Compound interest of a Loan
4. Calculate the age of someone given his/her dob

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END
Any Questions?
Thank you!
BBT 4211 - Comp Programming - Kurui Daniel

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