ELI5: functions in python

What is a function in Python?

A function is like a recipe that tells your computer to do something special when you ask it to [2][3]. Just like you might have a recipe for making cookies that you can use over and over again, you write a function once and then use it many times by just calling its name [3].

Why do we use functions?

Functions help you organize your code and avoid writing the same instructions over and over [3]. Instead of writing out all the steps every time, you just say the function's name and it does all that work for you automatically [2].

What are lambda functions?

Lambda functions are tiny, nameless functions that do one simple job [5]. They're like quick shortcuts instead of writing out a whole recipe—useful when you need something fast but you don't need to use it many times [5].

How do you use a function?

You create a function using the def keyword, give it a name, and tell it what to do [2]. Then whenever you need that job done, you just type the function's name and it runs all those instructions for you [3].