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Introduction to Functions in Python

BasicSkill Level
4.8+
1,188 reviews
Updated 12/2025
Learn the art of writing your own functions in Python, as well as key concepts like scoping and error handling.
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PythonProgramming3 hr10 videos44 Exercises3,550 XP460K+Statement of Accomplishment

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Course Description

It's time to push forward and develop your Python chops even further. Python has tons of fantastic functions and a module ecosystem. However, as a data professional or developer, you'll constantly need to write your own functions to solve problems that are dictated by your data. You will learn the art of function writing in this first course. You'll come out of this course being able to write your very own custom functions, complete with multiple parameters and multiple return values, along with default arguments and variable-length arguments. You'll gain insight into scoping in Python, be able to write lambda functions and handle errors in your function writing practice. You'll wrap up each chapter by using your new skills to write functions that analyze Twitter data.The videos contain live transcripts you can reveal by clicking "Show transcript" at the bottom left of the videos. The course glossary can be found on the right in the resources section. To obtain CPE credits you need to complete the course and reach a score of 70% on the qualified assessment. You can navigate to the assessment by clicking on the CPE credits callout on the right.

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What you'll learn

  • Assess error conditions in user-defined functions and apply try-except blocks or raise statements to handle exceptions effectively
  • Distinguish between local, enclosing, global, and built-in scopes when accessing or modifying variables inside functions
  • Evaluate the appropriate use of lambda expressions and higher-order functions such as map for concise data operations
  • Identify the correct syntax for defining Python functions that accept single or multiple parameters and return single or multiple values
  • Recognize how to implement default arguments, *args, and **kwargs to create flexible function interfaces

Prerequisites

Intermediate Python
1

Writing your own functions

You'll learn how to write simple functions, as well as functions that accept multiple arguments and return multiple values. You'll also have the opportunity to apply these new skills to questions commonly encountered by data professionals and developers.
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2

Default arguments, variable-length arguments and scope

You'll learn to write functions with default arguments so that the user doesn't always need to specify them, and variable-length arguments so they can pass an arbitrary number of arguments on to your functions. You'll also learn about the essential concept of scope.
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3

Lambda functions and error-handling

Introduction to Functions in Python
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FAQs

Is this course suitable for beginners?

Yes, this course is suitable for both beginners and intermediate Python users. It will provide users with an overview of writing different types of functions, including default arguments, variable-length arguments, and lambda functions.

What topics will be covered in this course?

This course covers topics such as writing functions, default arguments, variable-length arguments, scoping in Python, lambda functions and handling errors.

Will I receive a certificate at the end of the course?

Yes, you will receive a certificate of completion after successfully completing the course.

Who will benefit from this course?

Python Data Science Toolbox (Part 1) is ideal for data analysts, data engineers, data scientists, and software engineers who want to enhance their skills in Python programming.

Will I learn about scoping in Python?

Yes, this course will cover scoping in Python, which is an important concept for writing functions.

Will I learn how to write lambda functions?

Yes, this course will cover how to write lambda functions that can quickly solve problems.

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