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Python Functions Tutorial

This Python Functions Tutorial training covers how to write functions in Python, special blocks of code that only run at certain times throughout your program. You’ll learn how to work with Python functions, from understanding parameters and arguments to writing code blocks that execute only when called.

Updated June 2022

16Skills
94Videos
14hTotal

Who This Course Is For

This Python Functions Tutorial training is considered foundational-level open-source training, which means it was designed for software developers. This programming skills course is valuable for new IT professionals with at least a year of experience with Python best practices and experienced software developers looking to validate their open-source skills.

Skills Your Team Will Gain

  • Understanding functions in programming generally and in Python specifically
  • Writing blocks of code in Python that only run when they get called
  • Understanding the small differences between parameters and arguments
  • Passing arguments in the right order

Course Curriculum

One skill is free to watch — no signup needed. The other 15 premium skills unlock for your whole team with a CBT Nuggets plan.

Free skill preview

Understand Functions in Python

John McGovernDuration: 54m12 videos

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Watch free skill
  • Understand Functions in PythonFree54m · 12 videos
  • Premium skill.Implement Functions in Python49m · 12 videos
  • Premium skill.Understand Functional Programming in Python55m · 14 videos
  • Premium skill.Decorators & Generators54m · 20 videos
  • Premium skill.First-Class Functions in Python54m · 14 videos
  • Premium skill.Higher-Order Functions in Python52m · 14 videos
  • Premium skill.Introduction to Partial Application and Currying54m · 14 videos
  • Premium skill.Advanced Higher-Order Functions56m · 14 videos
  • Premium skill.Advanced Partial Application & Currying51m · 14 videos
  • Premium skill.Introduction to Memoization48m · 12 videos
  • Premium skill.Composing Functions in Python54m · 14 videos
  • Premium skill.Advanced Memoization48m · 12 videos
  • Premium skill.Introduction to Recursion in Python47m · 12 videos
  • Premium skill.Recursion with Lists49m · 14 videos
  • Premium skill.Working with Trees in Python52m · 14 videos
  • Premium skill.Basic Tree Algorithms in Python51m · 14 videos
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are functions in Python?

Python is a computer programming language made popular thanks to its simplicity and versatility. Like any programming language, Python uses blocks of reusable code to perform specific tasks – these are called functions. Functions are parts of a larger body of code that take arguments as inputs, process them, and return values as outputs. Those outputs may get processed by additional functions or used as end results for the user.

Is Python a useful language to learn?

Yes, Python is a very useful language to learn – whether you work as a computer programmer, web developer, data analyst, or just about anything else. Python's versatility is what makes it so useful to learn – it's used in tons of different contexts. Python is prominently used in web development, data analysis, and even artificial intelligence. It has a huge ecosystem of libraries and frameworks, and it's wildly popular and well-supported.

What are the essential components of a function in Python?

A function in Python has three essential components, those are a name, parameters (which are actually optional), and a body. A Python function's name identifies the function and gets referenced in code to use it. Python parameters are input variables that are available to the function for processing. The body of a Python function is the statements that define its functionality. Functions can also return a value and end its execution.

Who should take this tutorial course on Python functions?

Professionals from many different fields should take the time to learn how Python functions work. Software developers, data analysts and research professionals top the long list of who could benefit from learning the programming language. Python is great for modular programming and code organization, it's preferred for efficient data processing and analysis, and it emphasizes reusable code components. Professionals in many different fields, including research, AI/ML and automation thrive with Python.

Is it hard to learn Python?

No, it's not considered very hard to learn Python, especially when you have a tutorial course that can orient you on the syntax, readability and versatility of the language and its functions. Beginners like the simple syntax of the Python programming language, but seasoned programmers find its versatility and depth to be its best attribute. Python's advanced concepts can pose a challenge for beginners, but with proper guidance it's a very learnable language.

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