Arguments or parameters?

Question

This is still confusing to me, whether I have to call them parameters or arguments. Learning PHP I read that:

When you define a function, the variables that represent the values that will be passed to it for processing are called parameters. However, when you use a function, the value you pass to it is called an argument.

Does this mean they are actually both the same and the only difference is in using the variables?

Answer 1

The more precise terminologies are,

-- Formal parameters: These are merely variable (objects) lists inside a pair of parenthesis in front of the function name (as part of the function signature when defining it) informing the compiler the expected inputs of the function.

Example:

void f( int parameter_1, int parameter_2 ) {
// implementation goes here...
}

This tells us the function `f` would accept two integer input through "receiving arguments" that later on will happen by "calling" the function `f`, then the two parameters would get initialized by them to use in the body of `f()`.

-- Actual arguments: Actual values that must be passed to a function when calling it.

void f( int parameter_1, int parameter_2 ) {
// implementation goes here...
}

void g() {
int argument_1 = 1;
int argument_2 = 2;

f( argument_1, argument_2 ); // calling
}

Answer 2

Parameters are defined when defining a function, but argument are made when you actually call the function

function A(num1, num2) -> parameters

A(2, 9) -> arguments

Answer 3

parameter: a box
argument: what you put in there

Answer 4

A simple example clarifies so much more than text only. Thank you!!

Answer 5

Sometimes is necessary to know "technical words" in order to understand. That three words are math words: function, argument, parameters.
You will get use to it. Just keep researching.

Sometimes there is no need for examples because words are a good way to communicate ideas and concepts. This kind of situations are common in programming.

Happy coding!

Answer 6

True. Thx Jonas!