Functions and Parameters

Question

In the following code I do not understand why we need to create a function to output a number. Is this better than just creating a variable named X and assigning a value? This code came from your tutorial "Function Parameters" Question 2/3.

I got real lost in my C++ Programming book at this chapter. Came here for more learning and help as recommended by a friend. Here is the code:
Function Parameters

Once parameters have been defined, you can pass the corresponding arguments when the function is called.
For example:
#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

void printSomething(int x) {
cout << x;
}

int main() {
printSomething(42);
}

// Outputs 42
Try It Yourself

The value 42 is passed to the function as an argument, and is assigned to the formal parameter of the function: x.
Making changes to the parameter within the function does not alter the argument.

Answer 1

You do not need to create a function to output the number, actually. It's just a simple example of a function. A function is basically a block of code that does something. For example:

int factorial(int x):
count = 1;
for (int i = 0; i <= x; i++){
count *= i;
}
return count;
}
int main(){
for (int y = 0; y < 4; y++){
cout << factorial(y)
}
}
//126

This code outputs the factorial of 1, 2, 3. Instead of having to manually hardcode how to calculate a factorial, you write a function to help you do that. Saves time.
Hope this helped. 😉

Answer 2

Yes it does. Thank you so much for your answer. :)