Keyword Arguments In Python

Introduction to Keyword Arguments in Python

Keyword argument (also called named argument) in Python provide a flexible way to pass arguments to functions by explicitly specifying parameter names. This improves readability, allows default values, and makes function calls more intuitive. Keyword arguments are widely used in Python programming, particularly in libraries like Pandas, NumPy, and Matplotlib, where function calls require multiple parameters.

What are Keyword Argument in Python?

Keyword arguments allow you to pass values to function parameters by specifying the parameter name along with its value. This removes dependency on argument order, making function calls more readable and less error-prone.

Syntax of Keyword Arguments

def greet(name, message="Hello"):
    print(f"{message}, {name}!")

# Calling the function using keyword arguments
greet(name="Alice", message="Good Morning")  # Output: Good Morning, Alice!
greet(message="Hi", name="Bob")  # Output: Hi, Bob!
greet(name="Charlie")  # Output: Hello, Charlie!

How Keyword Argument Work in Python

Function parameters are explicitly assigned using parameter names.
The order of arguments doesn’t matter when using keyword arguments.
Default values can be overridden by specifying new values.

Example Code for Keyword Argument in Python

def student_info(name, age, course="Python"):
    print(f"Student: {name}, Age: {age}, Course: {course}")

# Using keyword arguments
student_info(name="John", age=20)  # Output: Student: John, Age: 20, Course: Python
student_info(age=25, name="Emma", course="Data Science")  
# Output: Student: Emma, Age: 25, Course: Data Science

Practical Example of Keyword Arguments

A common use case is setting configurations where default values are provided but can be overridden when necessary.

def configure_settings(theme="Light", font_size=12, language="English"):
    print(f"Theme: {theme}, Font Size: {font_size}, Language: {language}")

# Overriding default values using keyword arguments
configure_settings(theme="Dark", font_size=14)  
# Output: Theme: Dark, Font Size: 14, Language: English

Use Cases for Keyword Arguments in Python

Improved Readability: By explicitly mentioning argument names, function calls become more readable.
Flexible Function Calls: No need to remember the exact order of parameters.
Default Values: Allow setting default values, making parameters optional.

Best Practices for Using Keyword Arguments

✔Use keyword arguments for functions with multiple parameters.
✔ Define default values for optional parameters.
✔ Avoid using positional arguments when keyword arguments improve clarity.

Comparison with Positional Arguments

Common Interview Questions

What are keyword arguments in Python, and how are they different from positional arguments?

Keyword arguments allow passing values by explicitly specifying parameter names, unlike positional arguments that require values in a fixed order.
📌 Companies: TCS, Infosys, Capgemini

Why are keyword arguments useful in function definitions?

They improve code readability, reduce errors, and allow default values for function parameters.
📌 Companies: Accenture, Wipro, Oracle

Can keyword arguments be used before positional arguments?

No, in a function call, positional arguments must come before keyword arguments.
📌 Companies: Cognizant, JPMorgan Chase, IBM

Write a Python function that demonstrates the use of both positional and keyword arguments.

A function that accepts a username (positional) and optional settings (keyword arguments).
📌 Companies: Google, Microsoft, HCL

Summary

Keyword arguments enhance function flexibility by allowing named parameter passing, improving readability and reducing function call errors. They are widely used in Python programming for writing clean, maintainable, and efficient code.

Additional Resources

📌 Python Official Documentation – Python Functions

Conclusion

Keyword arguments are a powerful feature in Python that allows for clear, flexible, and efficient function calls. Understanding how to use them effectively can improve code readability and maintainability.

Keyword Arguments