Methods with parameters in Python

Introduction

Methods with parameters let you give extra information to a method so it can do different things each time you use it.

When you want a method to greet different people by name.

When you need to calculate the area of shapes with different sizes.

When you want to add two numbers that can change each time.

When you want to print a message with a custom number of times.

Syntax

Python

def method_name(parameter1, parameter2):
    # code using parameters
    pass

Parameters are like placeholders for values you give when calling the method.

You can have as many parameters as you need, separated by commas.

Examples

This method takes one parameter name and prints a greeting.

Python

def greet(name):
    print(f"Hello, {name}!")

This method takes two numbers and returns their sum.

Python

def add(a, b):
    return a + b

This method prints a message multiple times based on the times parameter.

Python

def repeat(message, times):
    for _ in range(times):
        print(message)

Sample Program

This program shows three methods with parameters. It greets Alice, adds two numbers, and repeats a message.

Python

def greet(name):
    print(f"Hello, {name}!")

def add(a, b):
    return a + b

def repeat(message, times):
    for _ in range(times):
        print(message)

# Using the methods

greet("Alice")
result = add(5, 7)
print(f"5 + 7 = {result}")
repeat("Hi!", 3)

Important Notes

Parameters let methods be flexible and reusable.

Always give the right number of arguments when calling a method.

You can use default values for parameters to make some optional.

Summary

Methods with parameters take inputs to work with different data.

Parameters are listed inside the parentheses in the method definition.

You call methods with arguments that match the parameters.