Core Python Programming

11.6.2. Keyword Variable Arguments (Dictionary)

In the case where we have a variable number or extra set of keyword arguments, these are placed into a dictionary where the “keyworded” argument variable names are the keys, and the arguments are their corresponding values. Why must it be a dictionary? Because a pair of items is given for every argument—the name of the argument and its value—so it is a natural fit to use a dictionary to hold these arguments. Here is the syntax of function definitions which use the variable argument dictionary for extra keyword arguments:

						def
						function_name([formal_args,][*vargst,] **vargsd):
    function_documentation_string
						function_body_suite
					

To differentiate keyword variable arguments from non-keyword informal ...