When should I use default arguments in functions?

When should I use default arguments in functions?

Default arguments are useful when you want to provide a default value for a parameter if no value is passed.

Can you give me an example of a function with default arguments?

Sure! Here's a simple example in Python:

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!'.

Are there any downsides to using default arguments?

Yes, one downside is that it can lead to unexpected behavior if mutable default arguments are used, like lists or dictionaries.