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How do default parameter values work, and when are they evaluated? What does it mean that functions are 'first-class objects' in Python? What is Python's LEGB rule for variable scope resolution, and what does each letter stand for? Why do you need the 'global' keyword to MODIFY a global variable from inside a function, but not to simply READ it? How does the 'nonlocal' keyword let a nested function modify a variable in its ENCLOSING (not global) scope? How do *args and **kwargs let a function accept an arbitrary number of positional and keyword arguments? Why is using a mutable default argument (like an empty list) a classic Python bug, and how do you avoid it? How do keyword-only arguments (using a bare '*' in the parameter list) force certain parameters to be passed by name only? How do positional-only parameters (using a bare '/' in the parameter list, Python 3.8+) restrict how certain parameters can be passed? How does a closure capture variables from its enclosing scope, and what pitfall occurs when creating multiple closures inside a loop?
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What is the difference between positional arguments and keyword arguments when calling a function?

Beginner

Answer

Positional arguments are matched to parameters by ORDER; keyword arguments are matched by explicit NAME (param=value), letting you pass arguments out of order and making the call site more self-documenting — a function call can freely mix both, positional first.
def greet(name, greeting):
    return f"{greeting}, {name}!"

greet("Sam", "Hello")               # positional
greet(name="Sam", greeting="Hi")    # keyword, order doesn't matter
greet("Sam", greeting="Hey")        # mixed
Real-world example Making a function call with many parameters more readable by using keyword arguments for less-obvious values.

Common follow-ups: Can you have a positional argument AFTER a keyword argument in the same call?

Data Types & Structures
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