Question

Special variables that hold copies of function arguments are called _________.

Short answer

Answer: Parameters.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Concept

When a function is called, its arguments are passed to it in the form of variables. Often, these variables inside the function are not the original arguments, but rather copies of their values. Such variables are known as a specific term.

Identifying the Term

The term we are looking for is "parameters". Parameters are special variables inside a function that hold the values of the arguments passed to the function when it is called. These parameters allow you to use the values of those arguments within the function.

Final Answer

Therefore, the special variables that hold copies of function arguments are called "parameters".

Key concepts

function arguments

In programming, function arguments are values that you pass into a function when you call it. This allows you to provide the function with the data it needs to operate. For example, if you have a function that adds two numbers, you will pass those numbers as arguments.
These arguments enable the function to perform operations using the specific values you provide.
Consider arguments as inputs to the function.

• Positional Arguments: You pass these based on the order the function expects them. You must pass them in the right order for the function to work correctly.
• Keyword Arguments: Here, you pass arguments by specifying the name of the parameter along with its value. This lets you skip some of the arguments or pass them in any order.

The arguments themselves are not changed by the function, hence they remain the same throughout. Recognizing and using arguments efficiently is key to writing adaptable functions.

variable scope

Variable scope refers to where in the code a variable can be accessed. Understanding scope is crucial since it dictates the visibility and lifespan of a variable.
There are different types of variable scopes in a programming context:

• Local Scope: These variables are defined within a function and can only be accessed within that function. They are created when the function starts and are destroyed when it ends.
• Global Scope: Such variables are defined outside any function and can be accessed anywhere in the code. They exist throughout the program's runtime.

It's essential to manage scope effectively to avoid unexpected behavior. For instance, using the same name for a local variable within different functions is acceptable since they are separate in scope and do not interfere with each other.

function calls

A function call is essentially the way you invoke a function to execute its code. When you call a function, you're instructing the program to "jump" to the specific code block and execute it.
Function calls can simplify a program by allowing code reuse. Instead of writing the same piece of code multiple times, you create a function and call it wherever needed. There are a few things to know about function calls:

• Syntax: To call a function, use the function name followed by parentheses. Inside the parentheses, you provide arguments if the function requires any.
• Return Values: A function can return a value back to the part of the program that made the call. You can use this returned value directly or store it in a variable.

Function calls make your code modular and more readable. Also, debugging becomes easier since you isolate code segments clearly within functions.