Section 6.7 Why Functions?
The
average function and the triangle_area functions on the preceding page each did one line of calculation. Considering those examples, it may not be clear why it is worth the trouble to divide a program into functions. There are several reasons:- Creating a new function gives you an opportunity to name a group of statements, which makes your program easier to read, understand, and debug.
- Functions can make a program smaller by eliminating repetitive code. Later, if you make a change, you only have to make it in one place.
- Dividing a long program into functions allows you to debug the parts one at a time and then assemble them into a working whole.
- Well-designed functions are often useful for many programs. Once you write and debug one, you can reuse it.
On the next pages, we’ll take a closer look at the second of these reasons: to eliminate repetitive code.
