Formal Argument vs. Formal Parameter

Attribute	Formal Argument	Formal Parameter
Definition	Input value in a function definition	Variable in a function declaration
Usage	Used in the function body	Used in the function signature
Value	Actual value passed to a function	Placeholder for a value to be passed to a function
Number	Can have multiple formal arguments	Can have multiple formal parameters

Introduction

Formal argument and formal parameter are two important concepts in computer programming that are often confused due to their similarities. In this article, we will explore the attributes of formal argument and formal parameter, highlighting their differences and similarities to provide a clear understanding of each concept.

Formal Argument

Formal arguments are placeholders in a function or method definition that are used to specify the type and order of the values that will be passed to the function when it is called. These placeholders are used to define the input parameters that the function expects to receive. Formal arguments are defined in the function signature and are used to specify the data type and name of the values that will be passed to the function.

• Formal arguments are defined in the function or method signature.
• They specify the type and order of the values that will be passed to the function.
• Formal arguments are placeholders that define the input parameters of a function.
• They are used to specify the data type and name of the values that will be passed to the function.
• Formal arguments are essential for defining the interface of a function.

Formal Parameter

Formal parameters are the variables that are used in the function or method definition to represent the values that will be passed to the function when it is called. These variables are placeholders for the actual values that will be passed to the function. Formal parameters are defined in the function signature and are used to specify the data type and name of the values that will be passed to the function.

• Formal parameters are variables used in the function or method definition.
• They represent the values that will be passed to the function when it is called.
• Formal parameters are placeholders for the actual values that will be passed to the function.
• They are defined in the function signature along with their data type and name.
• Formal parameters are used within the function to perform operations on the passed values.

Attributes of Formal Argument

Formal arguments are defined in the function or method signature and are used to specify the type and order of the values that will be passed to the function. They serve as placeholders for the actual values that will be passed to the function and define the input parameters of the function. Formal arguments are essential for defining the interface of a function and play a crucial role in determining how the function will be called and used.

• Defined in the function or method signature.
• Specify the type and order of the values passed to the function.
• Serve as placeholders for the actual values passed to the function.
• Define the input parameters of the function.
• Essential for defining the interface of a function.

Attributes of Formal Parameter

Formal parameters are variables used in the function or method definition to represent the values that will be passed to the function. They are defined in the function signature along with their data type and name, serving as placeholders for the actual values that will be passed to the function. Formal parameters are used within the function to perform operations on the passed values and play a crucial role in determining how the function will process and manipulate the input values.

• Variables used in the function or method definition.
• Represent the values passed to the function.
• Defined in the function signature with data type and name.
• Serve as placeholders for the actual values passed to the function.
• Used within the function to perform operations on the passed values.

Conclusion

In conclusion, formal argument and formal parameter are essential concepts in computer programming that play a crucial role in defining the interface and behavior of functions. While formal arguments are placeholders in the function signature that specify the type and order of the values passed to the function, formal parameters are variables used within the function to represent the values that will be passed. Understanding the attributes of formal argument and formal parameter is important for writing efficient and effective code in programming.