Formal Parameters

Definition

Formal parameters are the variables defined in the function declaration that act as placeholders for the actual values that will be passed into the function when it is called. They define the expected input for the function.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Formal parameters act as placeholders for the actual values that will be passed into the function when it is called.
2. The number, order, and data types of the formal parameters must match the actual parameters passed in the function call.
3. Formal parameters can have default values, which are used if no actual parameter is provided during the function call.
4. Formal parameters can be used within the function body to perform operations and calculations on the input values.
5. Formal parameters are local variables within the function scope and their values are not accessible outside the function.

Review Questions

• Explain the purpose of formal parameters in a function declaration.
  • The purpose of formal parameters in a function declaration is to define the expected input for the function. Formal parameters act as placeholders for the actual values that will be passed into the function when it is called. They allow the function to accept and work with specific data that is provided during the function call, enabling the function to perform its intended operations and calculations on the input values.
• Describe the relationship between formal parameters and actual parameters in a function call.
  • The formal parameters defined in the function declaration must match the actual parameters passed in the function call. The number, order, and data types of the formal parameters must correspond to the actual parameters provided when the function is invoked. The formal parameters act as variables that hold the values of the actual parameters, allowing the function to access and manipulate the input data as needed to perform its intended tasks.
• Analyze the role of formal parameters in the overall function signature and how they contribute to the function's behavior.
  • The formal parameters are a crucial component of the function signature, which defines the function's expected input and return type. The formal parameters specify the number, order, and data types of the values that the function requires to execute its logic. By defining the formal parameters, the function signature establishes a contract between the function and the code that calls it, ensuring that the appropriate data is provided and enabling the function to operate as intended. The formal parameters directly influence the function's behavior by determining the input values it can work with and the computations it can perform.

Related terms

Actual Parameters: Actual parameters are the values that are passed into the function when it is called, which correspond to the formal parameters defined in the function declaration.

Function Call: A function call is the act of invoking a function and passing in the necessary arguments, which are the actual parameters that get matched to the formal parameters of the function.

Function Signature: The function signature is the declaration of a function, including the function name, the number and types of formal parameters, and the return type of the function.