What are the best practices for using default parameters in functions?

What are the best practices for using default parameters in functions?

Using default parameters can simplify function calls. Best practices include keeping defaults simple, using them for optional arguments, and ensuring they don't lead to unexpected behavior.

Can you give an example of a function with default parameters?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

def greet(name, greeting='Hello'):
    return f'{greeting}, {name}!'

In this case, if you call greet('Alice'), it will return 'Hello, Alice!'. If you call greet('Alice', 'Hi'), it will return 'Hi, Alice!'.

What should I avoid when using default parameters?

Avoid using mutable default parameters like lists or dictionaries, as they can lead to unexpected behavior. Instead, use None and initialize inside the function.

How do default parameters affect function overloading?

Default parameters can reduce the need for function overloading by allowing a single function to handle multiple cases based on the provided arguments.