Is it possible to use different names for the parameters in a function while still maintaining the same

Question

Is it possible to use different names for the parameters in a function while still maintaining the same

(Apologies for any language barriers!) It's difficult to articulate my thoughts in English, but here is the code I've written:

function calculateAge(yearBorn){

    return 2020 - yearBorn;
}

var johnAge = calculateAge(1990);
var janeAge = calculateAge(2000);
var stevenAge = calculateAge(1998);

console.log(johnAge, janeAge, stevenAge);

function yearsUntilRetirement(currentAge, name){
    var age = calculateAge(currentAge);

    var retirementYear = 65 - age;

    console.log(name + ' retires in ' + retiredYear + ' years ');
}

yearsUntilRetirement(2000, "Alex");

This code functions perfectly fine and I'm curious as to why!

I have a function that calculates age (function calculateAge(yearBorn)) and I utilize it within another function called yearsUntilRetirement

In the first function, there's only one parameter defined as yearBorn, yet in the subsequent usage of the same function, a different parameter name calculateAge(currentAge) is employed instead of calculateAge(yearBorn). Surprisingly, it still works!

What exactly is happening here?

Can differing parameter names be used even if the function remains the same?

javascript

Answer 1

Answer №1

Consider the parameters as placeholders, eventually they are filled with a value. Whether you input 1 directly or store it in a variable like numberOne, the function will still receive the same value when executed.

For instance, let's take a look at a function named sum:

function sum(a, b) {
  return a + b;
}

Here are some ways you can use this function:

// Using integers directly
sum(1, 2);

// Utilizing variables
var firstNumber = 1;
var secondNumber = 2;

sum(firstNumber, secondNumber);

In both scenarios, upon running the sum function, the parameters a and b assume the values of 1 and 2 respectively. The naming convention of the parameters within the function does not impact the passed values.

It is important to remember that the sequence of the parameters is crucial. If you were to call sum(secondNumber, firstNumber), the values would be reversed which might lead to undesired outcomes. Hence, always pay attention to the order when invoking a function.

Answer 2

Consider the parameters as placeholders, eventually they are filled with a value. Whether you input 1 directly or store it in a variable like numberOne, the function will still receive the same value when executed.

For instance, let's take a look at a function named sum:

function sum(a, b) {
  return a + b;
}

Here are some ways you can use this function:

// Using integers directly
sum(1, 2);

// Utilizing variables
var firstNumber = 1;
var secondNumber = 2;

sum(firstNumber, secondNumber);

In both scenarios, upon running the sum function, the parameters a and b assume the values of 1 and 2 respectively. The naming convention of the parameters within the function does not impact the passed values.

It is important to remember that the sequence of the parameters is crucial. If you were to call sum(secondNumber, firstNumber), the values would be reversed which might lead to undesired outcomes. Hence, always pay attention to the order when invoking a function.

Answer 3

Answer №2

When a function is created, it requires a set of parameters:

function newFunction(input1){



}

When the function is called, you input a specific value into the call:

newFunction(value)

The magic happens here: the specified value will be assigned to input1 within your function. That's essentially what's happening.

Answer 4

When a function is created, it requires a set of parameters:

function newFunction(input1){



}

When the function is called, you input a specific value into the call:

newFunction(value)

The magic happens here: the specified value will be assigned to input1 within your function. That's essentially what's happening.

Answer 5

Answer №3

Indeed, you are able to invoke a function repeatedly with various values for the parameters using distinct variable names.

function performAction(parameter) {
... carry out an action
}

height = 72; performAction(height);
weight = 160; performAction(weight);

Answer 6

Indeed, you are able to invoke a function repeatedly with various values for the parameters using distinct variable names.

function performAction(parameter) {
... carry out an action
}

height = 72; performAction(height);
weight = 160; performAction(weight);

Answer 7

Answer №4

When looking at the code below:

function findSquare(sideLength){

    return sideLength * sideLength;
}

The variable sideLength is essentially a temporary label. It holds no significance once outside of the function. The rest of the program is indifferent to what this particular variable is named within the function. All that matters is that the function requires one input parameter. Whatever value you provide when calling the function will be associated with that parameter and its variable name, effectively making it sideLength while inside the function.

Answer 8

When looking at the code below:

function findSquare(sideLength){

    return sideLength * sideLength;
}

The variable sideLength is essentially a temporary label. It holds no significance once outside of the function. The rest of the program is indifferent to what this particular variable is named within the function. All that matters is that the function requires one input parameter. Whatever value you provide when calling the function will be associated with that parameter and its variable name, effectively making it sideLength while inside the function.

Is it possible to use different names for the parameters in a function while still maintaining the same

Answer №1

Answer №2

Answer №3

Answer №4

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