Question

Large Shirts: Modify the make_shirt() function so that shirts are large by default with a message that reads I love Python. Make a large shirt and a medium shirt with the default message, and a shirt of any size with a different message.

Short answer

The function was modified to default to 'large' size and 'I love Python'. Then, shirts in large and medium sizes were made with the default message, and a custom shirt was made with specific size and message.

Step-by-step solution

Modify the Function Definition

First, change the `make_shirt()` function definition to include default parameters. These parameters will set the shirt size to 'large' and the message to 'I love Python', unless other values are specified.

Create a Large Shirt with Default Message

Call the `make_shirt()` function without arguments to use the default values for size and message, which should result in creating a large shirt with the message 'I love Python'.

Create a Medium Shirt with Default Message

Call the `make_shirt()` function with the size parameter set to 'medium'. Since we are not changing the message, it will still use the default 'I love Python'.

Create a Shirt with Custom Parameters

Call the `make_shirt()` function with specific values for both the size and the message to demonstrate changing the defaults. For instance, set the size to 'small' and the message to 'Coding is fun!'.

Key concepts

default parameters

In Python, default parameters provide a way to define a function with preset values for certain parameters. This is incredibly useful because it allows functions to have some level of flexibility while maintaining simplicity for the user. When a function is defined with default parameters, it can be called with fewer arguments than the total number of parameters, relying on the defaults.

Let's consider the modified `make_shirt(size='large', message='I love Python')` function from the exercise. Here, both `size` and `message` have default values assigned. This means, when `make_shirt()` is invoked without any arguments, Python uses the default values: a large shirt with the message 'I love Python'.

Benefits of using default parameters include:

• Reducing the complexity of function calls.
• Providing sensible defaults for common use cases.
• Enhancing readability of the function signature.

Default parameters are declared at the end of the parameter list during function definition, as any non-default parameters must precede them.

function calls

Function calls in Python execute a defined block of code. When we mention calling a function, we are instructing the Python interpreter to run the commands encased within that function's body.

The step-by-step solution illustrates different ways to call the `make_shirt()` function. Based on what arguments, if any, you pass to it, different actions may take place.

Here are the ways to call `make_shirt()` as seen in the exercise:

• By calling `make_shirt()` without arguments, the function will use its default parameters, creating a large shirt with the pre-defined message.
• Using `make_shirt(size='medium')` changes the size while retaining the default message. Here, explicitly stating the `size` alters one default parameter.

Function calls provide control over default behavior, allowing selective updates through specific arguments. This demonstrates the power and flexibility of Python functions.

custom parameters

Custom parameters in a function call are values you provide to override the defaults specified in a function's definition. These let you customize the function output to fit your specific needs.

For instance, in the exercise, calling `make_shirt(size='small', message='Coding is fun!')` shows how we can completely tailor the function's behavior. Here, both default parameters are explicitly modified. The size is set to 'small', and a different message is provided.

Custom parameters enable functions to be more versatile. Advantages include:

• Allowing dynamic behavior based on input parameters.
• Enabling the same function to cater to various needs.
• Providing a mechanism to override default behavior without changing the function signature.

Be mindful to follow the order of parameters in the function definition when providing custom parameters. Alternatively, using keyword arguments (like `message='Coding is fun!'`) helps in clearly specifying which parameter you intend to override.