View source for 3.4.2 Parameters and Return Values

=== 3.4.2 Parameters and Return Values ===
Imagine you have a robot that can make smoothies. To make a smoothie, the robot needs to know ''what ingredients'' to use (like bananas, strawberries, milk). After it makes the smoothie, it gives you the finished drink.

In programming, functions often need information to do their job, and they can also give back a result after they're done.

* '''Parameters (Inputs):'''
** '''Parameters''' (sometimes called '''arguments''') are the pieces of information that you '''pass into a function''' when you call it. They are like the ingredients you give to the smoothie robot.
** They allow functions to be flexible and work with different data each time they are used.
** When you define a function, you list the parameters it expects inside the parentheses ().

'''Example:''' A function to add two numbers would need two parameters:

<code>function add(number1, number2):</code>

<code>   result = number1 + number2</code>

<code>   return result</code>

* When you ''call'' it: add(5, 3) (here, 5 and 3 are the arguments passed to the parameters number1 and number2).

* '''Return Values (Outputs):'''
** A '''return value''' is the result that a function '''sends back''' after it has finished its task. It's like the finished smoothie the robot gives you.
** Not all functions have a return value. Some functions just do something (like printing a message) and don't need to give back a specific result. These are often called void functions in some languages.
** If a function has a return value, you specify the '''type''' of data it will return when you define the function (e.g., int if it returns a whole number, String if it returns text).
** The return keyword is used inside the function to send the value back.

'''Example:'''

<code>function calculateArea(length, width):</code>

<code>   area = length * width</code>

<code>   return area // This function returns the calculated area</code>

When you call it:

<code>my_room_area = calculateArea(10, 5) // my_room_area will now be 50</code>

Parameters make functions useful for different situations, and return values allow functions to give back results that other parts of your program can use.

'''Bibliography:'''

* '''W3Schools - Python Function Arguments''': https://www.w3schools.com/python/gloss_python_function_arguments.asp
* '''GeeksforGeeks - Return statement in C/C++''': https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/c/return-statement-in-c/#  [https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/cpp/return-statement-in-cpp-with-examples/ httphttps://www.geeksforgeeks.org/cpp/return-statement-in-cpp-with-examples/s://www.geeksforgeeks.org/cpp/return-statement-in-cpp-with-examples/]
* '''Wikipedia - Parameter (computer programming)''': https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parameter_(computer_programming)