Positional arguments in Python - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What are positional arguments in Python functions?

Positional arguments are values passed to a function in the exact order the function expects them. The position of each argument matters and matches the function's parameters.

beginner

How does Python match positional arguments to parameters?

Python assigns each positional argument to the function parameter in the same order they are given. The first argument goes to the first parameter, the second to the second, and so on.

beginner

What happens if you change the order of positional arguments when calling a function?

Changing the order of positional arguments changes which parameter each value is assigned to. This can cause unexpected results or errors if the order does not match the function's design.

beginner

Example: def greet(name, age): print(f"Hello {name}, you are {age} years old.")
Call greet('Alice', 30). What is the output?

The output is: Hello Alice, you are 30 years old.
Because 'Alice' is assigned to name and 30 to age by position.

intermediate

Can you mix positional and keyword arguments in a function call?

Yes, you can mix them. Positional arguments must come first, then keyword arguments. For example: func(1, 2, c=3).

What does Python use to assign values to parameters when calling a function with positional arguments?

A The order of the arguments

B The names of the arguments

C The data type of the arguments

D The size of the arguments

Python assigns positional arguments to parameters based on the order they are given.

What will happen if you call a function with fewer positional arguments than parameters?

A Python will swap arguments automatically

B Python will fill missing arguments with zeros

C Python will ignore missing parameters

D Python will raise an error

Python requires all positional parameters to be given values unless they have default values; otherwise, it raises a TypeError.

Which of these calls uses positional arguments correctly for def add(x, y): return x + y?

A add(5, y=3)

B add(5, 3)

C add(y=3, x=5)

D add(x=5, y=3)

add(5, 3) uses positional arguments in the correct order.

If a function is defined as def f(a, b, c):, which call is invalid?

A f(1, 2, 3, 4)

B f(1, 2, c=3)

C f(1, 2, 3)

D f(a=1, b=2, c=3)

Calling with more arguments than parameters causes an error.

Can you use keyword arguments before positional arguments in a function call?

A Yes, always

B Only if the function has default parameters

C No, positional arguments must come first

D Only in Python 3.12+

Positional arguments must come before keyword arguments in a function call.

Explain what positional arguments are and why their order matters in Python functions.

Think about how you give directions in a specific order.

Describe what happens if you swap the order of positional arguments when calling a function.

Imagine mixing up ingredients in a recipe.