1.6 Encapsulating code with functions

Functions are useful for gathering similar pieces of code in one place. Consider the following mathematical function:

The Python equivalent is as follows:

def f(x):
    return 2*x + 1

In Figure 1.5, the elements of a function block are explained: 

• The keyword def tells Python we are defining a function.
• f is the name of the function.
• x is the argument or input of the function.
• What is after return is called the output of the function.

Figure 1.5: Anatomy of a function

Once the function is defined, it can be called using the following code:

f(2) # 5 
f(1) # 3