what is the correct way to create a function in python?

14 hours ago 2
Nature

The correct way to create a function in Python is as follows:

  • Use the def keyword to start the function definition.
  • Follow def with the function name, which should be a valid Python identifier.
  • Add parentheses () after the function name. Inside the parentheses, you can optionally include parameters separated by commas.
  • End the function header with a colon :.
  • Indent the next lines to form the function body, which contains the code the function will execute.
  • Optionally, use the return statement inside the function body to send back a result.

Basic Syntax

python

def function_name(parameters):
    # function body
    # code to execute
    return some_value  # optional

Example of a simple function without parameters

python

def greet():
    print("Hello from a function")

You call it by writing:

python

greet()

Example of a function with parameters and return value

python

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

result = add_numbers(3, 5)
print(result)  # Output: 8

Key points

  • The function body must be indented (usually 4 spaces).
  • Parentheses are required even if the function takes no parameters.
  • The return statement is optional; if omitted, the function returns None.
  • You can pass arguments to functions to make them more flexible.

This structure makes your code modular and reusable