---
title: functions
tags:
  - python
  - functions
  - def
aliases:
  - function definition
  - function syntax
  - def
---

> [!note] Function Basics  
> A function in Python is defined using the `def` keyword, followed by a name, parameters in parentheses, and a colon. The body of the function must be indented.
> 
> > [!example] Defining and Calling Functions  
> > ```python
> > def add(a, b):
> >     return a + b
> >  
> > print(add(3, 4))  # 7
> > ```
> 
> > [!important] Indentation Matters  
> > Python uses **significant indentation**. Inconsistent spacing will raise an `IndentationError`.
> 
> > [!example] Printing vs Returning  
> > ```python
> > def add_two_nums(num_one, num_two):  
> >     total = num_one + num_two  
> >     print(total)
> > 
> > add_two_nums(32512, 325235623)  # 325268135
> > ```
> 
> > [!info] Related Notes  
> > [[expressions]]  
> > [[docstrings]]  
> > [[pythonSyntaxOverview]]