Question

The value of a default argument must be a(n) _________.

Short answer

Answer: The value type of a default argument must be an immutable object which means its state cannot be modified after it is created. This is important in programming to ensure that default arguments don't change between function calls, leading to more predictable behavior.

Step-by-step solution

Introduction to Default Arguments

In programming, a default argument is a parameter in a function definition that has a default value. This default value is used when the function is called without explicitly passing a value for that argument.

Identifying the Value Type

The value of a default argument must be an \textbf{immutable} type. Immutable objects are objects whose state cannot be modified after they are created. Examples of immutable objects in Python include numbers (integers, floats), strings, and tuples. By using immutable types for default arguments, you can ensure that they don't change between function calls, leading to more predictable behavior. In summary, the value of a default argument must be a(n) \textbf{immutable} object.