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7 views5 pages

Day 4

Uploaded by

Smitha.A Smitha.A
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Python Functions and Data Structures: Student

Handout

Introduction to Functions in Python

What is a Function?
A function is a block of code designed to perform a specific task. It allows you to write code
once and reuse it multiple times.

Defining and Calling Functions

Defining a Function
Use the def keyword to define a function. Here's the syntax:

Python
def function_name():
# Code block that performs a task
print("Hello, this is a function!")

Calling a Function
Invoke a function by writing its name followed by parentheses:

Python
def greet():
print("Hello, welcome to the Python class.")

greet() # Output: Hello, welcome to the Python class.

Understanding Function Arguments and Return Values

Function Arguments
Functions can take inputs, known as arguments.
Python
def greet(name):
print(f"Hello, {name}!")

greet("Alice") # Output: Hello, Alice!

Return Values
Functions can return results using the return keyword.

Python
def add_numbers(a, b):
return a + b

result = add_numbers(5, 3)
print(result) # Output: 8

Scope of Variables: Local and Global

Local Variables
Variables defined inside a function are local and cannot be accessed outside.

Python
def my_function():
x = 10
print(x)

my_function() # Output: 10
# print(x) # Error: x is not defined outside the function

Global Variables
Variables defined outside any function are global and can be accessed anywhere.

Python
x = 20

def my_function():
print(x)
my_function() # Output: 20
print(x) # Output: 20

Writing Simple Functions to Automate Tasks


Automate repetitive tasks by defining functions.

Python
def calculate_area(length, width):
return length * width

area1 = calculate_area(5, 3)
area2 = calculate_area(7, 2)

print(area1) # Output: 15
print(area2) # Output: 14

Overview of Python Data Structures

1. Lists
A list is an ordered, changeable collection.

Python
my_list = [1, 2, 3, 4]
my_list.append(5)
print(my_list) # Output: [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

2. Tuples
A tuple is an ordered, immutable collection.

Python
my_tuple = (1, 2, 3)
print(my_tuple) # Output: (1, 2, 3)

3. Dictionaries
A dictionary is a collection of key-value pairs.
Python
my_dict = {"name": "Alice", "age": 25}
print(my_dict["name"]) # Output: Alice

4. Sets
A set is a collection of unique items.

Python
my_set = {1, 2, 3, 3}
print(my_set) # Output: {1, 2, 3}

Performing Operations on Data Structures


- Lists: Add items with append(), remove with remove(), access by index.
- Dictionaries: Add/update key-value pairs, access values by keys.
- Sets: Add items with add(), remove with remove(), perform set operations like union
and intersection.

Activity: Write a Python Script Using Lists and Dictionaries


Task: Store names and ages in a dictionary and print personalized greetings.

Python
# Step 1: Create a dictionary with names and ages
people = {
"Alice": 25,
"Bob": 30,
"Charlie": 22
}

# Step 2: Define a function to greet each person


def greet_person(name, age):
print(f"Hello, {name}! You are {age} years old.")

# Step 3: Call the function for each person in the dictionary


for name, age in people.items():
greet_person(name, age)

Output:
Unset
Hello, Alice! You are 25 years old.
Hello, Bob! You are 30 years old.
Hello, Charlie! You are 22 years old.

Conclusion
In this session, we covered the basics of functions in Python, including defining and calling
them, working with arguments and return values, and understanding the scope of variables.
We also explored Python's core data structures—lists, tuples, dictionaries, and sets—and
learned how to perform operations on them. Functions help make your code organized,
reusable, and efficient. Keep practicing to enhance your programming skills!

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