Python functions

Code pattern

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Definition

def name(parameters): ... return value. Functions must be defined before they are called (2025 Q19 marker note: call functions after definition).

Example

def area(w, h): return w * h

Found in: syllabus, course specifications, 2025 HSC marking guidelines, school notes.

Where you'll use it in the test

Syllabus area: Code patterns.

Question types it can appear in

Python: Write or complete it in the online Python tool.
Code reading: Code or algorithm reading: interpret a fragment and state its output or purpose.

Where it has appeared in the paper

Secure Software Architecture (Part A). Part letters follow each paper’s own layout.

How to use it

A model sentence

General advice, built from the definition and example above

Code pattern: “def name(parameters): ...” Then apply it: def area(w, h): return w * h

In a short answer, give the definition in your own words first, then tie it to the situation in the question. Do not copy the example above unless it fits the scenario.

Official worked answer

2025 HSC Q19 (3 marks): Developing secure code (Python) (3 marks): official criteria and sample answer

Criteria

3: Correct code for the problem. 2: Partially correct code that includes a correct selection structure OR password creation. 1: Some understanding of the scenario and Python.

Sample answer

uName = input('What is your username?') password = input('What is your password?') passwordP1 = uName[:3] passwordP1= passwordP1 + '123' if passwordP1 == password: print ('Welcome!') else: print ('Incorrect password entered')

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Go deeper

Flashcard: Python functions in Code Patterns: Pseudocode, Python, SQL, CSS (Years 11 and 12) · study that set
Memorise: Python basics: input, selection, loops, strings
Notes: Worked Python: unique random numbers in a grid (2025 Q26 style) (Python and SQL you must be able to write)
Master answer: hsc2025-q26 (5 marks, Python) (Master model answers: code, SQL, pseudocode, diagrams and tables)
Full term page: every question, note and marking comment for Python functions

Check yourself

Write or say the “Python functions” pattern from memory: the syntax and what it does.

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