In Python, positional arguments are values passed to a function that are assigned to the parameters based on their physical order (position) in the function call.
Here is a simple breakdown:
1. The Order Matters
When you use positional arguments, the first value goes to the first parameter, the second value goes to the second parameter, and so on.
def describe_pet(animal_type, pet_name):
print(f"I have a {animal_type} named {pet_name}.")
# Positional arguments:
# 'hamster' goes to animal_type
# 'Harry' goes to pet_name
describe_pet('hamster', 'Harry')If you switch the order: describe_pet('Harry', 'hamster'), the output would be "I have a Harry named hamster," which doesn't make sense!
2. Characteristics
- Sequential: You must remember the exact order the function expects.
- Concise: They are shorter to write than keyword arguments because you don't type the parameter names.
- Required: Unless default values are defined, you must provide a value for every positional argument in the correct sequence.
3. Comparison with Keyword Arguments
Based on your current lab step:
- Positional:
say_hi('John', 'Hello')(Order is strict). - Keyword:
say_hi(greeting='Hi', name='Anna')(Order doesn't matter because you explicitly named them).
Think of positional arguments like a line at a movie theater: your place in the line determines which seat you get. Keyword arguments are like assigned seating: it doesn't matter when you arrive; your name is already on the ticket
