Core Python Programming

Why Default Arguments?

Default arguments add a wonderful level of robustness to applications because they allow for some flexibility that is not offered by the standard positional parameters. That gift comes in the form of simplicity for the applications programmer. Life is not as complicated when there are a fewer number of parameters that one needs to worry about. This is especially helpful when one is new to an API interface and does not have enough knowledge to provide more targeted values as arguments.

The concept of using default arguments is analogous to the process of installing software on your computer. How often does one chose the “default install” over the “custom install?” I would say probably almost always. It is a matter of convenience ...