Lesson 4.2: Give Information to a Function

A parameter is a named input in a function definition. An argument is the value a call sends into that parameter.

For a function named showValue with a parameter named item, the call showValue(7) sends the argument 7. While that call runs, the function can read item and get 7.

Parameters let one definition work with different inputs. Calls can send 7, 12, or a value stored in a variable without copying the function body.

A parameter is a local value. It belongs to the current function call. A variable created inside a function is also local when code outside that function cannot read it.

Guided practice

Define a function named report with one parameter named value. Print value inside the function. Call report with 4, then call it with 9.

Use Step and watch how the parameter value changes for each call. Then store 12 in a variable and pass that variable as the next argument.

Choose parameter names based on meaning. distance gives more useful information than thing when a function controls movement.

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