Argument vs. Parameter: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
In programming, an argument is the actual value passed to a function, while a parameter is the variable in the function's declaration that receives the argument.
Key Differences
An argument is a specific value or reference provided to a function or method when it is called. Conversely, a parameter is a variable used in the function definition to represent those values or references.
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Arguments are the actual data pieces you give to functions or methods to operate on. Parameters, on the other hand, define what type of data the function expects.
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When writing a function, parameters appear in the function declaration and act as placeholders for the values that will be passed to the function. In contrast, arguments are the real values passed during the function call.
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Parameters are used to define what kind of argument a function can accept, like a blueprint. Arguments are like the materials that are supplied based on that blueprint.
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In essence, the parameter is a variable in the definition of a function, whereas the argument is the actual value of this variable that gets passed to the function.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Actual value passed to a function
Variable in function's declaration
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Role in Function
Data provided to a function/method
Placeholder for data in function definition
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Nature
Actual, concrete value or reference
Abstract, a placeholder for a value
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Example in Code
MyFunction(5) where 5 is an argument
MyFunction(x) where x is a parameter
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Argument and Parameter Definitions
Argument
A value passed to a function.
In calculateArea(5), 5 is an argument.
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Parameter
A placeholder for arguments in methods.
In def print(message), message is a parameter.
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Argument
An actual piece of data given to a method.
In print(Hello), Hello is an argument.
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Parameter
A named variable in a function's declaration.
In def drawCircle(radius), radius is a parameter.
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Argument
An object or variable provided to a procedure.
In drawCircle(radius), radius is an argument.
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Parameter
A constant in an equation that varies in other equations of the same general form, especially such a constant in the equation of a curve or surface that can be varied to represent a family of curves or surfaces.
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Argument
A discussion in which the parties involved express disagreement with one another; a debate
Philosophical arguments over the nature of existence.
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Parameter
One of a set of independent variables that express the coordinates of a point.
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Argument
An angry discussion involving disagreement among the participants; a quarrel
The roommates had an argument about whose turn it was to wash the dishes.
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Parameter
One of a set of measurable factors, such as temperature and pressure, that define a system and determine its behavior and are varied in an experiment.
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Argument
(Archaic) A reason or matter for dispute or contention
"sheath'd their swords for lack of argument" (Shakespeare).
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Parameter
Usage Problem A factor that restricts what is possible or what results
"all the parameters of shelter—where people will live, what mode of housing they will choose, and how they will pay for it" (New York).
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Argument
A course of reasoning aimed at demonstrating truth or falsehood
Presented a strong argument for the arts in education.
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Parameter
A factor that determines a range of variations; a boundary
An experimental school that keeps expanding the parameters of its curriculum.
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Argument
A fact or statement put forth as proof or evidence; a reason
The current low mortgage rates are an argument for buying a house now.
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Parameter
(Statistics) A quantity, such as a mean, that is calculated from data and describes a population.
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Argument
A set of statements in which one follows logically as a conclusion from the others.
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Argument
A summary or short statement of the plot or subject of a literary work.
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Parameter
A value kept constant during an experiment, equation, calculation, or similar, but varied over other versions of the experiment, equation, calculation, etc.
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Argument
A topic; a subject
"You and love are still my argument" (Shakespeare).
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Parameter
(sciences) A variable that describes some system (material, object, event, etc.) or some aspect thereof.
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Parameter
(statistics) Any measured quantity of a statistical population that summarises or describes an aspect of the population.
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Parameter
(machine learning) A variable of a model that is trained by a machine learning algorithm.
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Argument
The angle of a complex number measured from the positive horizontal axis.
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Parameter
(programming) An input variable of a function definition, that gets an actual value (argument) at execution time.
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Argument
(Linguistics) A word, phrase, or clause in a semantic relation with a word or phrase and that helps complete the meaning of that word or phrase, such as a noun phrase that is the object of a verb. The clause that we go is an argument of the verb suggest in the sentence I suggest that we go.
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Parameter
A characteristic or feature that distinguishes something from others.
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Parameter
(geometry) In the ellipse and hyperbola, a third proportional to any diameter and its conjugate, or in the parabola, to any abscissa and the corresponding ordinate.
The parameter of the principal axis of a conic section is called the latus rectum.
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Argument
A series of propositions organized so that the final proposition is a conclusion which is intended to follow logically from the preceding propositions, which function as premises.
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Parameter
(crystallography) The ratio of the three crystallographic axes which determines the position of any plane.
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Parameter
(crystallography) The fundamental axial ratio for a given species.
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Argument
(countable) An abstract or summary of the content of a literary work such as a book, a poem or a major section such as a chapter, included in the work before the content itself; (figuratively) the contents themselves.
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Parameter
A constant number which is part of a theory, function, or calculation, whose value is not determined by the form of the theory or equation itself, and may in some cases be arbitrary assigned.
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Argument
(countable) A verbal dispute; a quarrel.
The neighbours got into an argument about the branches of the trees that extended over the fence.
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Parameter
A term applied to some characteristic magnitude whose value, invariable as long as one and the same function, curve, surface, etc., is considered, serves to distinguish that function, curve, surface, etc., from others of the same kind or family.
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Argument
Any dispute, altercation, or collision.
Steve got in a physical argument with his neighbor and came away with a black eye.
While biking home, he got in an argument with the pavement.
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Parameter
Any constant number which is required to calculate values of observed phenomena according to a theory, but the value of which must be determined by experiment, and cannot be calculated from the fundamental assumptions of the theory. In general, a theory which has a large number of parameters, though it may accurately predict experimental results, is considered as having less explanatory power and as being less esthetically pleasing than a theory with fewer parameters.
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Argument
Any of the phrases that bears a syntactic connection to the verb of a clause.
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Parameter
The ratio of the three crystallographic axes which determines the position of any plane; also, the fundamental axial ratio for a given species.
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Parameter
The limits, guidelines, or assumptions from within which an activity is carried out; as, new arrivals need to learn the parameters of the research in our department.
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Parameter
A variable used in a calculation within a computer program which must be assigned a value before the calculation can be performed; as, let's plug in the parameters and see what the result is.
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Argument
A quantity on which the calculation of another quantity depends.
The altitude is the argument of the refraction.
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Parameter
A characteristic or element, especially one used as a criterion for evaluation or judgment; as, a useful parameter for determining efficiency.
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Argument
A value, or a reference to a value, passed to a function.
Parameters are like labelled fillable blanks used to define a function whereas arguments are passed to a function when calling it, filling in those blanks.
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Parameter
A constant in the equation of a curve that can be varied to yield a family of similar curves
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Argument
A parameter at a function call; an actual parameter, as opposed to a formal parameter.
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Parameter
Any factor that defines a system and determines (or limits) its performance
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Parameter
A quantity (such as the mean or variance) that characterizes a statistical population and that can be estimated by calculations from sample data
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Argument
The subject matter of an artistic representation, discourse, or writing; a theme or topic.
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Parameter
A variable in a function definition.
In def calculateArea(radius), radius is a parameter.
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Parameter
A specification in a subroutine declaration.
In def addNumbers(x, y), x and y are parameters.
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Parameter
A variable listed in a procedure's definition.
In def setTemperature(temp), temp is a parameter.
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Argument
Proof; evidence.
There is.. no more palpable and convincing argument of the existence of a Deity.
Why, then, is it made a badge of wit and an argument of parts for a man to commence atheist, and to cast off all belief of providence, all awe and reverence for religion?
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Argument
A reason or reasons offered in proof, to induce belief, or convince the mind; reasoning expressed in words; as, an argument about, concerning, or regarding a proposition, for or in favor of it, or against it.
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Argument
A process of reasoning, or a controversy made up of rational proofs; argumentation; discussion; disputation.
The argument is about things, but names.
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Argument
The subject matter of a discourse, writing, or artistic representation; theme or topic; also, an abstract or summary, as of the contents of a book, chapter, poem.
You and love are still my argument.
The abstract or argument of the piece.
[Shields] with boastful argument portrayed.
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Argument
Matter for question; business in hand.
Sheathed their swords for lack of argument.
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Argument
The quantity on which another quantity in a table depends; as, the altitude is the argument of the refraction.
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Argument
The independent variable upon whose value that of a function depends.
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Argument
A fact or assertion offered as evidence that something is true;
It was a strong argument that his hypothesis was true
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Argument
A contentious speech act; a dispute where there is strong disagreement;
They were involved in a violent argument
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Argument
A discussion in which reasons are advanced for and against some proposition or proposal;
The argument over foreign aid goes on and on
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Argument
A summary of the subject or plot of a literary work or play or movie;
The editor added the argument to the poem
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Argument
A variable in a logical or mathematical expression whose value determines the dependent variable; if f(x)=y, x is the independent variable
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Argument
The real input given to a subroutine.
AddNumbers(a, b) takes a and b as arguments.
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Argument
An instance of data used in a function call.
In setTemperature(32), 32 is an argument.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can a function have multiple arguments?
Yes, functions can take multiple arguments.
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What is an argument in programming?
An argument is the actual value passed to a function.
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How many parameters can a function have?
A function can have multiple parameters, depending on its design.
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Can default values be set for parameters?
Yes, many programming languages allow default parameter values.
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What is a parameter in programming?
A parameter is a variable named in a function's declaration.
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What happens if too few arguments are passed?
This usually results in an error, unless the function is designed to handle it.
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What is the purpose of counterarguments in an argumentative essay?
Counterarguments address opposing viewpoints to strengthen the overall argument by acknowledging and refuting opposing ideas.
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How can one improve their argumentative skills?
Improving argumentative skills involves practicing critical thinking, research, and effective communication.
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What is an ad hominem argument?
An ad hominem argument attacks the character or personal qualities of the opponent rather than addressing the issue at hand.
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Is an argument always a number?
No, arguments can be numbers, strings, objects, etc.
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Can an argument have emotional appeal?
Yes, arguments often use emotional appeals (pathos) alongside logical appeals (logos) and ethical appeals (ethos) to persuade.
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How are parameters and arguments related in function calls?
Parameters are the placeholders in a function's definition, while arguments are the actual values passed to the function when it is called.
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What is a control parameter in scientific experiments?
A control parameter is a variable that is deliberately manipulated to observe its effect on an experiment's outcome.
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Must parameter names match argument names?
No, the names of parameters and arguments don't need to match.
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Can parameters change during the execution of a program?
In some cases, yes, parameters can be modified within a program, but they are often set as constants.
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Are arguments mutable?
It depends on the argument's data type and the programming language.
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What is the significance of adjusting model parameters in data analysis?
Adjusting model parameters can improve the model's performance and ability to fit the data accurately.
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Are parameters the same as constraints in mathematical optimization?
No, parameters are values that can be adjusted, while constraints are conditions that must be satisfied in optimization problems.
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What is a fallacious argument?
A fallacious argument is one that contains logical errors or flawed reasoning, making it invalid or unreliable.
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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