Keyword Arguments in Python – A Deep Dive

Python is a high-level, interpreted programming language that has gained immense popularity due to its simplicity and versatility. It was created by Guido van Rossum and first released in 1991. Python has powerful features such as the ability to use keyword arguments. This functionality enhances function definitions and calls, making your source code clearer and more intuitive. In this article, we will explore keyword arguments in Python and their advantages.

What are Keywords Arguments?

The keyword arguments are passed to a function by explicitly specifying the parameter names, allowing for more clarity and flexibility in how values are assigned. This enables users to provide arguments in any order and to omit optional parameters without affecting the function call’s readability.

The syntax for using keyword arguments is straightforward.

Types of Arguments

There are two types of arguments: positional arguments and keyword arguments.

Positional arguments

A positional argument is an argument that is passed in a function in the order in which those parameters are defined in the function. Here the order is very crucial since the values passed into these functions are qualified by the index or position.

Also Read: Key Features of Python

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Keyword arguments

The keyword arguments allow you to pass arguments to a function by specifying the name of the parameter along with its value. This differs from positional arguments, where the order in which you provide the arguments matters.

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Fixed Arguments vs Arbitrary Arguments

Fixed arguments and arbitrary arguments are some of the most important aspects of the use of functions in programming. The fixed arguments are declared parameters that need a specific number of values to be supplied in a fixed sequence each time to call a function. For example: If a function requires two fixed parameters. The caller must supply the entire two values because if it supplies any value other than two, there will be an error. This makes it more probable to predict but can often decrease scalability.

On the other hand, The ability to pass an arbitrary number of parameters in a function is also referred to which makes the function very flexible for any given situation. In the syntax *args for non-keyword parameters and **kwargs for key parameters, any number of parameters may be accepted or no parameters at all. This flexibility is especially valuable in a situation when its exact amount is not important or when a function has to work with different data. In other words, fixed arguments appear to offer more order and definition compared to arbitrary arguments which offer more flexibility and adaptability in functional design.

The following program demonstrates the *args example.

Also Read: Control Statements in Python

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The following program demonstrates the **args example.

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Advantages of Using Keyword Arguments

• Improved Readability: Using keyword arguments enhances the readability of function calls. It’s clear what each argument represents.

• Flexibility: We can specify only the parameters you want to override, while others take their default values. This is especially useful in functions with many parameters.

• Better Documentation: The keyword arguments can make source code self-documenting. They clarify the purpose of each argument, reducing the need for extensive comments.

• Default Values: The functions can be designed with default values for keyword arguments. This means you can call a function with only the arguments you want to specify, using default for the rest. This feature simplifies function calls when many arguments are optional.

• Easier Maintenance: The function is updated to include new parameters, existing calls using keyword arguments can remain unchanged if those new parameters are optional. This makes source code maintenance simpler and reduces the likelihood of breaking changes.

Also Read:  Python Variables

Disadvantages of Using Keyword Arguments

• Compatibility Issues: When we use libraries or frameworks that do not support keyword arguments, or when integrating with older source code, you may face limitations or additional complexities.

• Name Clashes: If multiple arguments have similar or identical names in a function with many parameters. It can lead to confusion or errors in usage.

• Overuse: When developers rely too heavily on keyword arguments can lead to less concise functions. This can complicate function signatures and make them harder to understand at a glance.

• Performance Overhead: Using keyword arguments may introduce slight performance overhead compared to positional arguments due to the additional processing required to match argument names.

Also Read: Python Interview Questions and Answers

Why Use Keyword Arguments?

In Python, using keyword arguments enhances source code clarity and flexibility, making function calls more readable and intuitive. By explicitly labeling each argument keyword arguments help clarify the purpose of each parameter, reducing ambiguity. They allow developers to pass arguments in any order, reducing ambiguity. It allows developers to pass arguments in any order, which is particularly useful when dealing with functions that have multiple optional parameters. This feature also means you can skip default values for parameters you don’t want to specify, leading to cleaner source code.  Overall they contribute to more maintainable and understandable source code, making it easier to collaborate and modify in the long run.

Conclusion

The keyword arguments in Python offer a powerful way to enhance the clarity and flexibility of your source code. It allows you to specify arguments by name, make function calls more readable, and enable you to skip optional parameters with ease. As you incorporate keyword arguments into your programming, you’ll find that they can simplify complex function signatures and improve maintainability. This feature not only benefits your source coding practices but also enhances collaboration with others, as your intent becomes clearer. Whether you’re defining simple functions or building complex systems. Want to master Python? Try Hero Vired’s Accelerator Program in Business Analytics and Data Science offered in collaboration with edX and Harvard University.