Functions vs. Methods in Python: What's the Difference?
When starting your Python journey, you’ll often hear about functions and methods. They may seem similar, but they have important differences that every beginner should understand. Let’s break it down in a simple way — no coding required.
📘 What Are Functions?
A function in Python is a reusable block of code that performs a specific task. You create it once and use it as many times as needed. Functions work independently — they don’t belong to any object. You just call them by their name and pass the required data, called arguments.
Example in real life: Think of a function like a calculator. You give it numbers (input), press a button (call the function), and get a result (output).
📗 What Are Methods?
A method is also a block of code that performs a task, but it’s tied to a specific object. That means it works on the data that the object contains. In simpler terms, a method is a function that belongs to something — like a list, a string, or a custom object.
Example in real life: Imagine you have a TV remote. The buttons (methods) work only for your TV (object). You can’t use the same buttons on your fridge.
🧠 Key Differences
Functions are standalone, while methods are tied to objects.
You use functions for general tasks, and methods to perform actions specific to the type of data (like modifying a list or changing text).
Functions don’t know anything about the object’s data unless you explicitly give it, but methods automatically access the object’s data.
🤔 Why This Matters
Understanding this difference helps you read, write, and debug Python code more effectively. It also prepares you for deeper topics like object-oriented programming, where methods are used extensively.
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