What is a parameter in programming
Tags: programming, career, tutorial, beginners
Published: 2024-05-21 02:57:05

Delve into an in-depth understanding of parameters in coding, including what a parameter is, practical examples of parameters in programming, and the distinction between parameters and arguments.

Welcome back, visitor! In today's post, I will cover everything you need to know about parameters (or params) in programming. This is an entry-level programming topic, particularly relevant when you are preparing for a technical interview. follow [interviewspreparation.com](https://interviewspreparation.com/)

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## What is a Parameter in Coding?
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## How to Use Parameters in programming ?

Using parameters in coding becomes simple once you understand the basics. Here’s a straightforward explanation of how to use them in your programmes.
When you define a function, you specify the parameters it expects. For example, in Python, you might write a function that greets a user by their name:

```
def greet_user(name):
    print(f"Hello, {name}!")
```
In this example, name is a parameter of the greet_user function.

## Parameters with default values
Parameters can also have default values. If a function parameter has a default value, you can call the function without providing an argument, and it will use the default. For example:

```
def greet_user(name="Guest"):
    print(f"Hello, {name}!")
```
In this case, if you call greet_user() without an argument, it will greet "Guest" by default.

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## The Difference Between Parameters and Arguments

It’s common to confuse parameters and arguments since they’re closely related, but they serve distinct purposes in coding. Let’s clarify this difference.

Parameters are placeholders in your function definition. They are the names assigned to the information your function is designed to receive. Think of parameters as the blank fields on a form that are meant to be filled out later.

Arguments, in contrast, are the actual values you provide to these placeholders when you invoke the function. Using the form analogy, arguments are the specific details you fill in the form fields.

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## Summarizing parameter in programming

So there you have it – a fun and easy-to-understand guide to param in coding! Whether you're using parameters to customize greetings, calculate areas, or sum numbers, they're an essential part of making your functions flexible and powerful. Remember, parameters are the placeholders you define, and arguments are the values you provide when calling the function. With this knowledge, you're well on your way to writing cleaner, more efficient code. Happy coding!