Let’s Think Python: COMSC020 PreTeXt Interactive Edition

Glossary Glossary

Algorithm.

A general process for solving a category of problems.

Argument.

A value provided to a function when the function is called. This value is assigned to the corresponding parameter in the function.

Function Body.

The sequence of statements inside a function definition.

Composition.

Using an expression as part of a larger expression, or a statement as part of a larger statement.

Deterministic.

Pertaining to a program that does the same thing each time it runs given the same inputs.

Dot Notation.

The syntax for calling a function in another module by specifying the module name followed by a dot (period) and the function name.

Flow of Execution.

The order in which statements are executed during a program run.

Fruitful Function.

A function that returns a value. (Usually called a value-returning function.)

Function.

A named sequence of statements that performs some useful operation. Functions may or may not take arguments and may or may not return a value.

Function Call.

A statement that executes a function. It consists of the function name followed by an argument list.

Function Object.

A value created by a function definition. The name of the function is a variable that refers to a function object.

Header.

The first line of a function definition.

Import Statement.

A statement that reads a module file and creates a module object.

Module Object.

A value created by an import statement that provides access to the data and code defined in a module.

Parameter.

A name used inside a function to refer to the value passed as an argument.

Pseudorandom.

Pertaining to a sequence of numbers that appear to be random, but are generated by a deterministic program.

Return Value.

The result of a function. If a function call is used as an expression, the return value is the value of the expression.

Value-returning Function.

A function that returns a value. (Sometimes called a fruitful function.)

Void Function.

A function that does not have a return value.