What does parameter mean?

A name inside a function definition for a value the caller will pass in. The actual value passed when the function is called is the argument.

Also written as: parameters, argument, arguments

In a lesson

size is a parameter: a variable in the function's definition that gets its value from the call. The value in the call, 15 or 30, is the argument. For square(15), size is 15 inside the body; for square(30) it is 30. One function, any size of square.

Learn it

• Taught in F4.2 Parameters and return values Functions and structured code, GCSE

Used in

• F1.3 Calling functions
• F1.9 Arithmetic operators
• F4.3 Local and global variables
• F4.5 Libraries and your own modules
• F4.6 Project: the patrol
• F12.8 Technology, jobs and daily life
• F13.6 Long answer questions
• 0.2 Numbers and names
• 0.5 Your own commands
• 1.5 Speed and precision

and 49 more lessons.

All glossary terms