2. Functions

The first organizational tool programmers use in Python is the function. As in other programming languages, functions enable you to break large programs into smaller, simpler pieces. They improve readability and make code more approachable. They allow for reuse and refactoring.

Functions in Python have a variety of extra features that make the programmer’s life easier. Some are similar to capabilities in other programming languages, but many are unique to Python. These extras can make a function’s purpose more obvious. They can eliminate noise and clarify the intention of callers. They can significantly reduce subtle bugs that are difficult to find.

Item 14: Prefer Exceptions to Returning None

When writing utility functions, there’s ...

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