Introduction to Functions in Python

Overview

Learn the art of writing your own functions in Python, as well as key concepts like scoping and error handling.

It's time to push forward and develop your Python chops even further. Python has tons of fantastic functions and a module ecosystem. However, as a data professional or developer, you'll constantly need to write your own functions to solve problems that are dictated by your data. You will learn the art of function writing in this first course. You'll come out of this course being able to write your very own custom functions, complete with multiple parameters and multiple return values, along with default arguments and variable-length arguments. You'll gain insight into scoping in Python, be able to write lambda functions and handle errors in your function writing practice. You'll wrap up each chapter by using your new skills to write functions that analyze Twitter data.

The videos contain live transcripts you can reveal by clicking "Show transcript" at the bottom left of the videos.
The course glossary can be found on the right in the resources section.
To obtain CPE credits you need to complete the course and reach a score of 70% on the qualified assessment. You can navigate to the assessment by clicking on the CPE credits callout on the right.

Syllabus

Writing your own functions

You'll learn how to write simple functions, as well as functions that accept multiple arguments and return multiple values. You'll also have the opportunity to apply these new skills to questions commonly encountered by data professionals and developers.

Default arguments, variable-length arguments and scope

You'll learn to write functions with default arguments so that the user doesn't always need to specify them, and variable-length arguments so they can pass an arbitrary number of arguments on to your functions. You'll also learn about the essential concept of scope.

Lambda functions and error-handling

Learn about lambda functions, which allow you to write functions quickly and on the fly. You'll also practice handling errors in your functions, which is an essential skill. Then, apply your new skills to answer data science questions.