Function
Course BASIC PYTHON
Idx 6
Last edited @July 23, 2025 10:42 AM
Status Complete
Type Lesson
Notes
A function in Python is a named, reusable block of code designed to perform a
specific task. Functions promote code organization, reusability, and modularity,
making programs easier to understand, debug, and maintain.
Key characteristics of Python functions:
Definition:
Functions are defined using the def keyword, followed by the function name,
parentheses () , and a colon : .
Parameters:
Optional input values, called parameters, can be specified within the
parentheses during function definition. These act as placeholders for
arguments passed when the function is called.
Docstrings:
The first statement within a function can be an optional documentation string
(docstring), enclosed in triple quotes, which describes the function's purpose.
Indentation:
The code block belonging to a function must be indented, typically by four
spaces, following the colon.
Return Value:
Function 1
Functions can optionally return a value using the return statement. If
no return statement is present, the function implicitly returns None .
Calling a Function:
To execute the code within a function, it must be called by its name followed
by parentheses () , enclosing any necessary arguments.
Example of a Python function
def greet(name):
"""
This function takes a name as input and prints a greeting.
"""
print(f"Hello, {name}!")
# Calling the function
greet("Alice")
Exercises
Exercise 1
Write a Python function to sum/multiply all the numbers in a list.
Exercise 2
Write a Python function to find the maximum number in list.
Exercise 3
Writing a function calculate how many cans of paint you need in order to paint a
wall, given the height and width of the wall. Know that we must use 1 can per 5 m2
of wall.
Exercise 4
Function 2
Write a Python function that takes a number as a parameter and checks whether
the number is prime or not.
Exercise 5
Write a Python function to reverse a string.
Exercise 6
Write a Python function that takes a list and returns a new list with distinct
elements from the first list.
Exercise 7
Write a Python program to create a lambda function that adds 15 to a given
number passed in as an argument, also create a lambda function that multiplies
argument x with argument y and prints the result.
r = lambda a: a + 15
print(r(10))
r = lambda x, y: x * y
print(r(12, 4))
Exercise 8
Write a Python function that takes a list of words and returns the longest word and
its length.
Example:
Input list: ["Hanoi", "Haiphong", "Nghean"]
The output should be:
Longest word: Haiphong
Length of the longest word: 8
Function 3
Exercise 9
Write a function that takes a sentence and returns a dictionary with the frequency
of each word.
Exercise 10
Create a function which takes a Gregorian year and return the corresponding
Vietnamese Lunar Year name (Can Chi). Then, find the next Gregorian year that
has the same Lunar Year name.
The Can-Chi (Heavenly Stem and Earthly Branch) cycles are shown in the wheel
diagram below:
Heavenly Stems (Can): Giáp, Ất, Bính, Đinh, Mậu, Kỷ, Canh, Tân, Nhâm, Quý
Earthly Branches (Chi): Tý, Sửu, Dần, Mão, Thìn, Tỵ, Ngọ, Mùi, Thân, Dậu, Tuất,
Hợi
Each combination of Can and Chi forms a unique year name, and the cycle
repeats every 60 years.
The reference point (base year) is the year 0, which is Canh Thân.
Function 4