Chapter 11. Functions

Chapter Topics

  • What are Functions?

  • Calling Functions

  • Creating Functions

  • Passing Functions

  • Formal Arguments

  • Variable-length Arguments

  • Functional Programming

  • Variable Scope

  • Recursion

We were introduced to functions in Chapter 2 and have seen them created and called throughout the text. In this chapter, we will look beyond the basics and give you a full treatment of all the other features associated with functions. In addition to the expected behavior, functions in Python support a variety of invocation styles and argument types, including some functional programming interfaces. We conclude this chapter with a look at Python's scoping as well as take an optional side trip into the world of recursion.

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