Normal vs. Keyword Arguments in Python: What's the Difference?

Understanding Normal vs. Keyword Arguments

In programming, arguments are values passed into functions to customize their behavior. While traditional "normal arguments" are specified in positional order, "keyword arguments" offer an alternative approach.

Keyword Arguments: Passing Arguments by Name

Unlike normal arguments, keyword arguments allow you to explicitly specify the parameter name when passing a value. This is useful when calling functions with many parameters, as it makes it easier to read and maintain the code.

To use keyword arguments, simply provide the argument name followed by an equal sign "=" and the corresponding value. For example:

my_function(arg1=10, arg2="hello")

Pure Keyword Arguments in Function Definitions

In addition to passing arguments by name, Python also supports "pure keyword arguments" in function definitions. These arguments must be declared with a double asterisk "**" and a variable name, such as:

def my_pure_kwargs_func(**kwargs):
    print(kwargs)

Any keyword arguments passed to the function will be stored in a dictionary named "kwargs".

Benefits of Keyword Arguments

Using keyword arguments offers several benefits:

• Improved code readability: Explicitly naming parameters enhances code clarity.
• Reduced errors: By specifying parameter names, you reduce the risk of passing values in the wrong order.
• Enhanced flexibility: Keyword arguments allow you to pass parameters in any order or even omit optional parameters with default values.

Conclusion

While normal arguments remain the traditional way of passing arguments, keyword arguments provide a powerful alternative that improves code readability, reduces errors, and enhances flexibility. Understanding their different concepts and applications can help you write more maintainable and extensible code.

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