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Python Python Basics Functions and Looping Create a Function

Caitlin Blaney
Caitlin Blaney
114 Points
Posted by Caitlin Blaney
Caitlin Blaney
114 Points

Can someone please explain what I am doing wrong def function = "square"

squaring.py 
def function = "square"

2 Answers

Steven Parker
Steven Parker
231,198 Points
Steven Parker
Steven Parker
231,198 Points

The syntax for defining a function doesn't actually involve the word "function". Just the "def" keyword, the name of the function (without quotes), a pair of parentheses with any arguments listed inside, and a colon. You might want to review the Functions video and get another look at the examples shown in it.

And to pass the challenge, you will also need some code that returns the computed value.

Steven Parker
Steven Parker
231,198 Points
Steven Parker
Steven Parker
231,198 Points

The syntax is simply the rules you have to go by to construct statements that the computer will understand and follow.

def function = "square"  # this is not correct syntax (not made using the rules)
def square(number):      # this is done "by the rules" (with correct syntax)

A function is a separate bit of code that does a specific task. You could perhaps think of it as a "mini-program". Early in that video the instructor says that functions ... provide a way for you to group multiple statements together to use later. They help you avoid duplicating your code.

Caitlin Blaney
Caitlin Blaney
114 Points
Caitlin Blaney
Caitlin Blaney
114 Points

I've reviewed the videos... I just don't understand this. Your answer, these questions, the quizzes... any of this. I'm totally stumped. What is a "syntax"? What is a "function"? What does any of this stuff mean??