Python - what is the use of * as part of a function's parameter?

Question

I'm comparing two chunks of code:

1)

def mmm(x, y):
print(type(x))
print(type(y))

mmm(1, 2, 3)
#outputs TypeError: mmm() takes 2 positional arguments but 3 were given

2)

def zzz(p1, *p2):
print(type(p1))
print(type(p2))

zzz('a','b','c','d')
#outputs <class 'str'>
<class 'tuple'>

Why is p2 of type tuple?
Why doesn't the second code give a type error?
What does * in the parameter do?

Answer 1

* is used as an assignment to any extra arguments that come after the main one in your case. you'll usually see *args. Any extra parameter would go in the iterable called p2. Here's an example of its use
https://code.sololearn.com/cbaQlASs402g/?ref=app