Python: Visual QuickStart Guide, Third Edition

5. Functions

In This Chapter

Calling Functions

Defining Functions

Variable Scope

Using a main Function

Function Parameters

Modules

A function is a reusable chunk of code. It is a block of code with a name that takes input, provides output, and can be stored in files for later use. Pretty much any useful piece of Python code is stored in a function.

Python has excellent support for functions. For instance, it provides many ways to pass data into a function. It also lets you include documentation strings within the function itself so that you—or other programmers—can read how the function works.

You need to learn a number of details in order to completely understand functions. With practice, they will soon become second nature, so be sure to ...