Arguments: Positional, Keyword0%
Arguments: Default, *args, **kwargs

Arguments: Positional, Keyword

Beginner8 min read•Updated: 2026-09-03
Study Materials

Arguments: Positional, Keyword

Python functions accept arguments by relative position or explicitly by keyword name.

Key Concepts & Detailed Explanation

Argument types:

  • Positional arguments: Assigned to parameters based on their order in the call.
  • Keyword arguments: Assigned explicitly using name=value syntax, allowing arguments in any order.

Rule: Positional arguments MUST always precede keyword arguments!

Code Examples & Output

Python
def register_student(name, age, city):
print(f"Student: {name}, Age: {age}, City: {city}")
 
# Positional arguments (order matters)
register_student("Kavita", 21, "Shikohabad")
 
# Keyword arguments (order doesn't matter)
register_student(city="Agra", name="Rajesh", age=24)
 
# Mixed (positional MUST come first)
register_student("Neha", city="Firozabad", age=22)

Expected Output:

Output
Student: Kavita, Age: 21, City: Shikohabad
Student: Rajesh, Age: 24, City: Agra
Student: Neha, Age: 22, City: Firozabad

Best Practices & Common Pitfalls

Using keyword arguments at the call site improves self-documentation of complex function invocations.

Practice Quiz

1. Can a positional argument be placed AFTER a keyword argument in a function call?

  • A) Yes, anytime
  • B) No, positional arguments must precede keyword arguments
  • C) Only if numbers
  • D) Only in Python 2
Answer: B Explanation: SyntaxError: positional argument follows keyword argument.

2. What is the advantage of keyword arguments?

  • A) They make code faster
  • B) They eliminate dependency on parameter ordering
  • C) They prevent recursion
  • D) They use less memory
Answer: B Explanation: Keyword arguments can be provided in any order.

Practice Challenge

Write a function 'order_pizza(size, crust, topping)' and call it once using positional args and once using keyword args.

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Defining & Calling FunctionsArguments: Default, *args, **kwargs

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