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Function call: meaning, definitions and examples

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function call

[ ˈfʌŋkʃən kɔːl ]

Noun

^{Context #1 | Noun}

programming

A function call is a statement that tells the computer to execute a specific function. It typically consists of the function name followed by parentheses containing any arguments that need to be passed to the function.

Synonyms

calling a function, function invocation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
function call	Use this term in technical documents or programming discussions when you want to specify that a function is being executed or activated. This is the most neutral and standard term in programming. You can optimize your code by reducing the number of function calls within the loop
function invocation	This term is more formal and could be used in technical documentation or advanced programming discussions to emphasize the process of executing a function, especially when discussing more complex mechanisms like recursion or context. The function invocation creates a new execution context on the stack
calling a function	This phrase is generally used in more explanatory or conversational contexts, often when teaching or explaining the concept to beginners. When calling a function, make sure to pass the correct parameters

Word

Description / Examples

function call

Use this term in technical documents or programming discussions when you want to specify that a function is being executed or activated. This is the most neutral and standard term in programming.

You can optimize your code by reducing the number of function calls within the loop

function invocation

This term is more formal and could be used in technical documentation or advanced programming discussions to emphasize the process of executing a function, especially when discussing more complex mechanisms like recursion or context.

The function invocation creates a new execution context on the stack

calling a function

This phrase is generally used in more explanatory or conversational contexts, often when teaching or explaining the concept to beginners.

When calling a function, make sure to pass the correct parameters

Examples of usage

Example 1: In Python, you can make a function call by simply typing the function name followed by parentheses.
Example 2: The function call 'print('Hello, World!')' will output 'Hello, World!' to the console.

Translations

Translations of the word "function call" in other languages:

🇵🇹 função

🇮🇳 समारोह

🇩🇪 Funktion

🇮🇩 fungsi

🇺🇦 функція

🇵🇱 funkcja

🇯🇵 機能 (きのう)

🇫🇷 fonction

🇪🇸 función

🇹🇷 fonksiyon

🇰🇷 기능 (ginŭng)

🇸🇦 وظيفة

🇨🇿 funkce

🇸🇰 funkcia

🇨🇳 功能 (gōngnéng)

🇸🇮 funkcija

🇮🇸 aðgerð

🇰🇿 функция

🇬🇪 ფუნქცია

🇦🇿 funksiya

🇲🇽 función

Etymology

The concept of function calls originated in computer programming languages as a way to modularize code and improve reusability. It allows programmers to define a block of code that can be executed multiple times without having to rewrite the same instructions. Function calls have become a fundamental building block of modern programming languages.