Function (computer programming): Difference between revisions

Revision as of 08:58, 22 June 2024

Revision as of 00:47, 27 June 2024

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The term used tends to reflect the context in which it is used {{endash}} usually based on the language being used. For example:

* The terms ''routine,'' ''subroutine, or subprogram'' refer to the same meaning, but describe a hierarchical relationship, much like how a subdirectory is structurally subordinate to it's parent directory.

* Some consider ''function'' to imply a [[Function (mathematics)|mathematical function]], acting upon the given inputs to return an output with no side-effects, but in many contexts a ''function'' simply refers to another callable section within the program.

* In the context of [[Visual Basic]], {{code|Sub}}, short for ''subroutine'' or ''subprocedure'', is the name of a callable that does not return a value whereas a {{code|Function}} does return a value -- much like [[Ada (programming language)|Ada]].

* ''Subprogram'' can be used to refer to a more generic, broad callable where multiple types of callables could exist (i.e., function and procedure), however, this term has fallen into antiquity in most spaces.

* [[Object-oriented programming|Object-oriented]] languages such as [[C Sharp (programming language)|C#]] and [[Java (programming language)|Java]] use the term ''method'' to refer to a member function of an [[Object (computer science)|object]], and may act on behalf of the object.