The spelling of "argument list" in IPA phonetic transcription is /ˈɑːɡjumənt lɪst/. The word "argument" is pronounced with stress on the second syllable, and the "u" sound is pronounced as "ahh." The final "t" is pronounced, and there is a pause before the next word begins. The word "list" is pronounced with stress on the first syllable and the "i" sound is pronounced as "ih." The final "t" is also pronounced. Overall, the spelling of "argument list" follows typical English pronunciation rules.
An argument list is a term used in computer programming and software development to refer to a collection of arguments or parameters passed to a function or subroutine. When a program invokes or calls a function, it may need to provide additional information or data that the function requires to perform its specified tasks.
An argument list usually consists of one or more variables or values that are passed to a function. These arguments can be of different data types, such as integers, floating-point numbers, strings, or even other complex data structures. The order and number of arguments in the list must match the function's declaration or prototype for the program to run without errors.
The purpose of an argument list is to enable developers to pass information to a function and allow the function to utilize that information during its execution. By including arguments in a function call, programmers can customize the behavior of the function, make it more flexible, and enable code reuse by using the same function with different values or data.
In programming languages like C, C++, Python, Java, and many others, argument lists are often enclosed within parentheses and separated by commas. The function receiving the argument list can then access and process each passed argument accordingly. Manipulating the argument list allows for dynamic and adaptable programming, where functions can handle a variety of input scenarios, improving the overall functionality and versatility of the program.
The etymology of the phrase "argument list" can be understood by analyzing the origins of its individual components: "argument" and "list".
1. Argument: The word "argument" derives from the Latin word "argumentum", which means evidence or proof. In Latin, "argumentum" is also derived from "arguere", meaning "to make clear, prove, or demonstrate".
2. List: The word "list" has a complex etymology. Its origin can be traced back to the Old English word "liste", which meant "border, rim, or selvage of cloth", or "band or belt", but also had the meaning of "listen". This "listen" sense emerged from the practice of keeping or tallying records by listening to them being read aloud, leading to the secondary sense of "list" as a "register or roll of names".