Introduction To Python Functions

What is a Python Function? Python functions are considered “First Class” objects. A First Class object can be assigned to variables, stored in data structures, passed as arguments to other functions, or even return values from other functions. A Python function is defined as a reusable section of code created to run a defined action.

What is a Python Function?

In this tutorial, we discuss one of the most useful attributes of Python: the function. Python functions are considered “First Class” objects. A First Class object can be assigned to variables, stored in data structures, passed as arguments to other functions, or even return values from other functions. Other examples of First Class objects in Python are integers, strings, and dictionaries.

A Python function is defined as a reusable section of code created to run a defined action. It runs only when requested from another function or when run from a Python prompt. Functions allow a user to pass data parameters into a code section, which then returns a data result.

There are three basic types of Python functions:

Built-In Functions – These functions are a standard part of the Python language. The latest native Python interpreter has 69 built-in functions.
Positional Argument Functions – These functions are user-generated with the def keyword.
Anonymous Functions – This function is not defined by a specific name. An anonymous function is defined using the lambda keyword, and is also why anonymous functions are also called lambda functions.