Python functions let you package a task into a reusable block of code. A function can accept information through parameters, perform work, and return a result. This keeps programs organized and prevents the same logic from being copied repeatedly.

Define a function

def add(a, b):
    return a + b

The def keyword starts a function definition. add is the function name, while a and b are parameters. The return statement sends a value back to the code that called the function.

Call the function

total = add(12, 8)
print(total)

The values 12 and 8 are arguments supplied to the function. The returned value, 20, is stored in total.

Parameters and arguments

Parameters are the names defined by the function. Arguments are the actual values passed when the function is called. Python also supports keyword arguments, which make the meaning of a call easier to read.

def miner_power(volts, amps):
    return volts * amps

watts = miner_power(volts=240, amps=20)
print(watts)

A practical power calculation

def power_kw(volts, amps):
    return (volts * amps) / 1000

kw = power_kw(240, 20)
print(f"{kw} kW")

This simple example returns 4.8 kW from 240 volts and 20 amps. It represents a basic DC or unity-power-factor calculation. Real AC systems may also require power factor and phase to calculate real power correctly.

Default parameter values

def status(device="miner"):
    print(f"{device} online")

status()
status("switch")

A default value lets the function run even when that argument is omitted. The caller can still provide another value when needed.

A function without an explicit return value

def show_status():
    print("System online")

A Python function does not need an explicit return statement. If execution reaches the end without returning another value, Python returns None.

Why functions matter

Functions make larger programs easier to read, test, reuse, and troubleshoot. A monitoring program, for example, can use separate functions for reading sensor data, calculating power, checking thresholds, communicating with devices, and displaying results.

Quick practice

Create a function named amps that accepts watts and volts and returns current using watts / volts. Then create a second function named over_limit that accepts a measured value and a limit and returns True when the measurement exceeds the limit.

Official reference

The official Python tutorial covers function definitions, default argument values, keyword arguments, special parameters, and related function concepts: Python documentation — Defining Functions.

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