Actual Argument vs. Actual Parameter

Attribute	Actual Argument	Actual Parameter
Definition	Value passed to a function when it is called	Variable used in the function definition to represent the value passed
Usage	Passed as an argument to a function	Used in the function definition to define the behavior of the function
Data Type	Can be any data type	Can be any data type
Value	Actual value passed to the function	Variable representing the value passed to the function

Definition

Actual argument and actual parameter are two terms that are commonly used in the field of computer programming, specifically in the context of functions and procedures. An actual argument refers to the value that is passed to a function or procedure when it is called, while an actual parameter refers to the variable that receives the value passed to the function or procedure. In simpler terms, the actual argument is the value being passed, and the actual parameter is the variable that receives that value.

Usage

Actual arguments are used when calling a function or procedure in a program. They are the values that are passed to the function or procedure to be used in its execution. Actual parameters, on the other hand, are used within the function or procedure to receive the values passed as actual arguments. They act as placeholders for the values that will be used in the function or procedure.

Relationship

The relationship between actual arguments and actual parameters is crucial in understanding how functions and procedures work in programming. When a function or procedure is called, the actual arguments are passed to the function or procedure, and these values are then assigned to the actual parameters within the function or procedure. This allows the function or procedure to work with the values that were passed to it.

Attributes

Actual arguments and actual parameters have different attributes that distinguish them from each other. Actual arguments are the values that are passed to a function or procedure, and they can be of any data type, such as integers, strings, or arrays. Actual parameters, on the other hand, are variables that are declared within the function or procedure, and they must match the data type of the actual arguments being passed.

Pass by Value vs. Pass by Reference

One important distinction between actual arguments and actual parameters is the concept of pass by value and pass by reference. When passing arguments to a function or procedure, they can be passed by value or by reference. Pass by value means that a copy of the actual argument is passed to the function or procedure, while pass by reference means that the actual argument itself is passed to the function or procedure.

Memory Allocation

Another key difference between actual arguments and actual parameters is how memory is allocated for them. When an actual argument is passed to a function or procedure, a new memory location is created to store the value being passed. This ensures that the original value of the actual argument is not modified within the function or procedure. Actual parameters, on the other hand, are variables that are declared within the function or procedure, and they are assigned the values of the actual arguments passed to them.

Scope

The scope of actual arguments and actual parameters also differs. Actual arguments are only accessible within the function or procedure where they are passed, and they cannot be accessed outside of that function or procedure. Actual parameters, on the other hand, are local variables within the function or procedure, and they can only be accessed within that function or procedure.

Conclusion

In conclusion, actual arguments and actual parameters play important roles in the execution of functions and procedures in programming. Understanding the differences between these two concepts is crucial for writing efficient and effective code. By grasping the attributes, usage, and relationship between actual arguments and actual parameters, programmers can ensure that their functions and procedures work correctly and produce the desired results.