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User-defined functions in Python allow programmers to define their own functions according to their

requirements. Here’s a brief report on them:

1. **Definition**: User-defined functions are created using the `def` keyword followed by the
function name and parameters, if any, enclosed within parentheses. The function body is
indented below the definition line.

2. **Syntax**:

```python

Def function_name(parameters):

“””docstring”””

# function body

Return [expression]

```

3. **Parameters**: Functions can take zero or more parameters. Parameters are optional and are
defined within the parentheses following the function name.

4. **Return Statement**: Functions can return a value using the `return` statement. This
statement is optional. If no return statement is specified, the function returns `None` by default.

5. **Docstring**: It is a string literal that occurs as the first statement in a function. It is used to
describe what the function does. Docstrings can span multiple lines and are enclosed in triple
quotes.

6. **Scope**: Variables defined inside a function have local scope and are not accessible outside
the function. However, variables defined outside the function have global scope and can be
accessed within the function.

7. **Example**:
```python

Def greet(name):

“””This function greets the user”””

Return f”Hello, {name}!”

Print(greet(“Alice”)) # Output: Hello, Alice!

```

8. **Advantages**:

- Reusability: User-defined functions allow the reuse of code, reducing redundancy.

- Modularity: Functions make the code more modular and easier to maintain.

- Abstraction: Functions abstract away implementation details, allowing users to focus on the
functionality.

9. **Best Practices**:

- Use meaningful function names.

- Write descriptive docstrings.

- Keep functions short and focused on a single task.

- Avoid side effects by keeping functions pure (i.e., not modifying global variables).

User-defined functions are fundamental to writing modular and reusable code in Python, promoting
good coding practices and maintainability.

Certainly! Here’s a brief three-page report on user-defined functions in Python:

**User-Defined Functions in Python**

**Introduction:**

Python, a versatile and popular programming language, allows programmers to define their own
functions, encapsulating specific sets of instructions to perform a particular task. These user-defined
functions enhance code readability, reusability, and modularity, making Python an efficient and
developer-friendly language.

**Basic Syntax:**

In Python, defining a function involves using the `def` keyword followed by the function name and
parentheses containing any parameters. The function body is indented and includes the instructions to
be executed when the function is called.

Example:

```python

Def greet(name):

Return f”Hello, {name}!”

```

**Advantages of User-Defined Functions:**

1. **Code Reusability:** Functions allow the same set of instructions to be used multiple times within a
program without repetition, promoting code reusability and reducing redundancy.

2. **Modularity:** Functions enable modular programming, breaking down complex tasks into smaller,
manageable units, facilitating easier debugging, testing, and maintenance.

3. **Abstraction:** Functions abstract away implementation details, allowing users to focus on the
functionality rather than the underlying code, promoting clarity and simplicity.

4. **Readability:** Well-named functions with clear purposes enhance code readability, making it easier
for developers to understand and collaborate on projects.

**Parameters and Return Values:**

Functions in Python can accept parameters, which are variables passed to the function, and return
values, which are the results computed by the function. Parameters enable functions to operate on
different inputs, while return values allow functions to produce output for further use in the program.

Example:

```python

Def add(x, y):


Return x + y

Result = add(3, 5) # result is 8

```

**Scope and Lifetime of Variables:**

Variables defined within a function have local scope, meaning they are accessible only within that
function. Variables declared outside of any function have global scope and can be accessed from
anywhere in the program. Local variables are created when the function is called and destroyed when
the function exits, while global variables persist throughout the program’s execution.

**Recursion:**

Python supports recursive functions, allowing a function to call itself. Recursion is a powerful technique
for solving problems that can be broken down into smaller, similar subproblems.

Example (Factorial using recursion):

```python

Def factorial(n):

If n == 0:

Return 1

Else:

Return n * factorial(n-1)

Result = factorial(5) # result is 120

```

**Conclusion:**

User-defined functions are an essential feature of Python programming, offering numerous benefits such
as code reusability, modularity, and abstraction. By encapsulating logic into reusable units, functions
promote efficient and maintainable code development, contributing to Python’s popularity among
developers.
This report provides a comprehensive overview of user-defined functions in Python, covering syntax,
advantages, parameters, return values, scope, recursion, and concludes with their significance in Python
programming.

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