What is Computer

Module: M3-R5: Python Programming

Chapter: Ch1 Computer Intro

🔹 What are Default Argument Values?

Default arguments allow a function to have default values for parameters. If the caller does not provide a value for that parameter, the default is used.

Syntax:

def function_name(param1=default_value, param2=default_value):
    # code block

Example:

def greet(name="Guest"):
    print("Welcome,", name)

greet()          # Uses default value
greet("Sourav")  # Overrides default value

Output:

Welcome, Guest
Welcome, Sourav
🔹 Multiple Default Arguments

Functions can have multiple default arguments.

def order(item="Pizza", quantity=1):
    print("Order:", quantity, item)

order()                   # Both defaults
order("Burger")           # Only item changed
order("Pasta", 3)         # Both values provided

Output:

Order: 1 Pizza
Order: 1 Burger
Order: 3 Pasta
🔹 Rules for Default Arguments
  • Non-default arguments must appear before default arguments.
  • Default arguments are evaluated once when the function is defined.
  • Mutable default arguments (like lists) should be used carefully.
✅ Summary
  • Default arguments make functions flexible and reduce the need for multiple function definitions.
  • They allow the function to be called with fewer arguments.
  • Use carefully with mutable objects to avoid unexpected behavior.
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