PD4CS

Here, we summarize some common misconceptions and challenges (M&C) that students may face when designing, writing, and using functions. The examples we include use Python, but many of these are conceptual and translate to other programming languages.

• M&C1: Incorrect use of the return statement and value returned
• M&C2: Confusing the relationship between names used for arguments and names used for function parameters
• M&C3: How parameters are passed
• M&C4: Misunderstanding local vs global variables (with video)
• M&C5: Debugging functions and code