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Functions & basics

Reusable building blocks — parameters, returns, scope, and clear function design.

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How to Merge Lists in Python with Default Parameters

This Python function merges two lists using the + operator and demonstrates default parameters, allowing the second argument to be omitted.

functions default-parameters list

Python

def merge_lists(list1, list2=["default"]):
    """Merge two lists and return the combined result."""
    return list1 + list2


if __name__ == "__main__":
    # Example with default parameter
    print("With default:", merge_lists([1, 2, 3]))
    
    # Example with both arguments provided
    print("With custom:", me…

14 0 Open

Functions & basics easy

How to Use Default Parameters with Python's Split Function

Create a reusable Python wrapper around str.split with sensible default parameters for delimiter and maxsplit, showing beginners how default arguments work.

strings default-parameters functions

Python

def split_with_defaults(text, delimiter=" ", maxsplit=-1):
    """
    Split a string into parts using a delimiter.
    Default behavior: split on spaces, unlimited splits.
    """
    parts = text.split(delimiter, maxsplit)
    return parts


if __name__ == "__main__":
    # Example usage with defaults and custom par…

14 0 Open

Functions & basics easy

Python Filter Function with Default Parameters for Beginners

Create a reusable filter function with default parameters to keep or exclude numbers above or below a threshold.

functions default-parameters filter

Python

def filter_numbers(numbers, threshold=0, reverse=False):
    """Return numbers that pass the threshold filter.

    Args:
        numbers: list of numbers to filter
        threshold: minimum value to keep (default 0)
        reverse: if True, keep numbers below threshold (default False)
    """
    if reverse:
      …

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