A parameter is one of three things – either a variable in a program of some sort that can be edited and altered by the user, a value/option that is changed before giving a command, in order to make sure that the command is executed correctly, or a value that is passed to a function by the code that calls the function in question.
Technipages Explains Parameter
All three definitions have something in common – a parameter represents a variable value of some kind. That means that, no matter what it is initially set to, or can be set to, a parameter is a value that is elemental to the working of whatever piece of software it’s involved in. In a programming context, parameters are variables that are essential for a block of code to execute correctly. This could, for example, be a calculation that requires a number in order to go through the calculation steps. This number (the parameter) is passed to the block of code every time it is called, as it will be different every time.
In a finished program, such as a database management program, for example, a parameter could be something like a search term. This means that the user passes the program the parameter every time it is necessary. Whatever the scenario, without the parameter, in most cases, the program won’t be able to fulfill its function. In the case of multiple parameters, it’s not always necessary to fill in all of them, and some may be optional, but for calculations, searches and the like, it’s absolutely necessary to give at least one parameter – otherwise, things won’t work as they are intended. A search with no search term won’t show anything useful!
Common Uses of Parameter
- Parameter variables help programs run specific functions with variable input.
- Giving unsuitable parameters will impact the working of the program – a calculation that is given a word instead of a number won’t work!
- The use of parameters in coding is nothing new – they are used in just about every type of high-level coding language.
Common Misuses of Parameter
- A parameter is a variable in programming used to store information in.