FORMAL PARAMETER Meaning and
Definition
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A formal parameter, in the realm of computer science and programming, refers to a variable that is defined within a function or a subroutine. It is a specific kind of parameter that is part of the function's or subroutine's declaration and serves as a placeholder for the value that will be passed into the function or subroutine when it is called. The formal parameter is essentially the variable's name that is defined within the function's or subroutine's header or prototype, and it acts as a reference or a representation of the actual value that will be supplied when the function or subroutine is invoked.
Formal parameters allow programmers to create reusable code by allowing them to define a function or subroutine that can be called with different arguments. When the function or subroutine is called, the values provided as arguments are assigned to the corresponding formal parameters, thus allowing the function or subroutine to work with the data passed into it. By using formal parameters, programmers can create modular and flexible code that can be easily modified and adapted to different scenarios.
It is important to note that formal parameters are distinct from actual parameters, which are the values that are passed into a function or subroutine when it is called. The formal parameters represent the expectations or requirements of the function or subroutine, while the actual parameters are the specific values provided at the time of invocation.
Common Misspellings for FORMAL PARAMETER
- formel parameter
- formall parameter
- formel parrameter
- formell parameter
- foramal parameter
- fourmal parameter
- formall perameter
- formul parameter
- formal parametre
- formal paraemeter
Etymology of FORMAL PARAMETER
The etymology of the word "formal parameter" can be broken down as follows:
1. Formal: The word "formal" comes from the Latin word "formalis", which means "of or belonging to form". It later evolved to Middle English, where it took on the meaning of "following prescribed or customary forms" or "ceremonial". In the context of programming, a formal parameter refers to the parameter definition or declaration in a function or subroutine, adhering to a defined form.
2. Parameter: The term "parameter" originates from the Greek word "parametros", which means "a boundary or limit". It entered Middle English from French with the meaning of "a constant term" in mathematics, and later extended to mean "a quantity that can have different values". In programming, a parameter represents a kind of value that can be passed to a subroutine or function.
