Software Engineering › Key terms › Code patterns › Python functions
Python functions
Code pattern Code patterns
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 * hFound in: syllabus, course specifications, 2025 HSC marking guidelines, school notes.
Where it is used 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.
Related past questions
- 2025 HSC Q19 (3 marks): Developing secure code (Python) Secure Software Architecture (Part A) · 3 marks
These are the questions the flashcard set links to this term. Open each one and compare your answer with its marking criteria.
Other questions that mention it
- 2025 HSC exam Q26 The Software Engineering Project (Part A) · 5 marks
Study links
- 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)
How to use it in an answer
A model sentence
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.
Technique for the question types
- Python: Write code that runs: indentation, quotes, define functions before calling them, print the required output, meet every listed requirement.
What the marking guidelines and feedback say
Marker feedback: process string inputs; use a selection structure; code must execute in the environment; use correct indentation; call functions in the main program after defining them.
Worked answers from the marking guidelines
2025 HSC Q19 (3 marks): Developing secure code (Python) (3 marks): 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')
Common mistakes
- Python questions (2025 HSC exam Q19): process string inputs; use a selection structure; code must execute in the environment; use correct indentation; call functions in the main program after defining them.
- Python questions (2025 HSC exam Q26): replicate the grid; use the random library; use selection and looping to access the list; include a method of checking the number of values; use meaningful variable names and constants; avoid overly complex structures such as nested IF loops.
- Use the term exactly as the syllabus words it, then link it to the scenario in the question; the 2025 feedback repeatedly rewards using the stimulus.
- Answer the command word: outline gives main points only, explain gives a reason or cause, discuss gives both sides.
Related terms
Same group in the syllabus: Python input and output · Python selection (if elif else) · Python for loop and range · Python while loop · Python strings and slicing · Python lists · Python 2D list (grid) · Python random numbers · Global and local variables · Python file handling · Python modules and libraries · Python classes and objects · Python validation function pattern · Python try / except