CS2 Quest 5: Functions

CS2 Quest 5: Functions

By Maria Cruz Farooqi

​Learning Target: I can write my own functions, use them in my code, explain why they make my programs easier to manage, and fix mistakes in function definitions.

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A song is usually broken up into different parts, such as the ​

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and verses. A chorus is a part of the song that stays the same and​

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throughout the song. If we were to have to type out the whole song, we would probably get annoyed because a lot of the song repeats itself. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could just jump back to another ​

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and run that again?

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Functions are really powerful programming constructs because they let us ​

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that we have already written. This helps us manage the complexity of our programs because it can ​

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that we need to write​ . It also helps make our programs easier to ​

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and consequently maintain, because functionality is more clearly separated within our programs. We call this modularity and it is something that we should strive for within our programs if we want them to be easier to maintain, ​

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upon, and change.

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There are ​

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we need to think about when writing our own functions. The first step is called “​

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” a function. It is where we write out the specific steps a computer needs to follow in order to successfully perform a specific action. The second step is “​

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” a function. This is where we tell our computer to ​

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in the definition

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two steps

defining

calling

execute each step listed

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When using functions in your program, you must first ​

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your function. When you define a function, you must first start with a valid function header. The function header begins with the keyword “​

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”. This keyword is a cue for your computer to know that this block of code is a ​

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. After def, you need to give your function a valid name (no spaces, don’t begin with numbers or special characters, etc). Right after the name, you need a set of ​

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.

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define

def

parentheses and a colon

function definition

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Once you have defined a function, you can ​

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as many times as ​ you would like. This tells your computer to ​

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the function definition. It is important to know that you cannot call a function if you ​

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. Once you call a function, then your computer will ​

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.

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All functions are given a unique ​

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when they are defined. This allows the computer to find what ​

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to execute. Take a look at the program and see where you see the word “chorus”. I see “chorus” on line 1, 5, 12, and 13. Now we know functions can be ​

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, so which lines look like the same statement? 5, 12, and 13! This is an example of what it looks like to ​

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a function. This leaves line 1 as an example of what it looks like to define a function.

Drag these tiles and drop them in the correct blank above

name

function you want

called many times

call

Multiple Choice

What is the name of the function?

• execute
• def

• test
• practice

Multiple Choice

On what line is the function called?

• 4
• 6
• 2
• 1

Multiple Choice

What is the result of calling the function?

• Hello, world!
• This is a test.
• Function executed successfully.
• Testing, testing. I'm working!

Match

Match the Key Terms

• A block of organized, reusable code that is given a name.

• The act of creating a new function. 

  Python Syntax:

  def name():

  code

  
  

• The act of executing a function definition.

  Python Syntax:

  name(arguments)

  
  

• The spaces found at the beginning of a line of code. Necessary to do after a colon in Python!

Function

Define

Call

Indent

• Function

• Define

• Call

• Indent

Multiple Choice

The following function is supposed to give your hero the power to patrol an area for enemies. If they find an enemy, your hero should attack. However, the function does not work as intended.

What is wrong? What would you do to fix this problem?

• Change 'hero.attack(enemy)' to 'hero.defend( )'

• Add a delay inside the 'while True:' loop
• Remove the 'if enemy:' condition entirely
• The function definition looks good. It just hasn’t been called yet. Call it in the while True loop.

Multiple Choice

Do these functions produce the same output if called? If yes, what is the output of both. If no, explain how they differ.

• No, they do not produce the same output. Algorithm A looks for an item while algorithm B looks for an enemy.

• No, they produce the same output but with different conditions.
• Yes, they produce the same output: 'I'm tired'
• Yes, they produce the same output: 'cleave'

Video Response

Record a thank you to a peer that helped you with coding.

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