What is the Difference Between Argument and Parameter?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The difference between an argument and a parameter lies in their roles within a function. Here are the key distinctions:
- Argument: An argument is a value passed during the function invocation. It is also known as an actual argument or actual parameter. Arguments are used in function call statements to send values from the calling function to the receiving function.
- Parameter: A parameter is a variable defined in the function declaration. It is also known as a formal argument or formal parameter. Parameters are used in the function header of the called function to receive the value from the calling function.
In summary:
- Arguments are values passed to a function when it is called.
- Parameters are variables defined in the function declaration to receive the values passed by the calling function.
Some programming languages may allow the terms "argument" and "parameter" to be used interchangeably, but it is generally recommended to use the correct term to avoid confusion. In cases where the distinction between arguments and parameters is important, the terms "actual argument/parameter" and "formal argument/parameter" can be used to disambiguate.
Comparative Table: Argument vs Parameter
The difference between an argument and a parameter can be summarized in the following table:
Feature | Argument | Parameter |
---|---|---|
Definition | An argument is the actual data passed to a function when it is called. | A parameter is a variable defined by a function that receives a value when the function is called. |
Role | Arguments are used within the function to perform calculations or other operations. | Parameters are placeholders for the actual values that will be passed to the function. |
Associated Function | In calSum(a, b), "a" and "b" are arguments. | In calSum(a, b), "a" and "b" are parameters. |
While the terms "argument" and "parameter" are often used interchangeably, they have different meanings. An argument is the actual value passed to a function, while a parameter is a placeholder for the value that will be passed to the function.
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