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Chapter 5: Problem 22

What is a library function?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: A library function is a predefined function in a programming language that is part of the standard library or any specific library imported by the programmer. These functions are reusable and designed to perform common tasks. Examples include Python's `print()` function, C++'s `sqrt()` function (from the `cmath` library), and Java's `Arrays.sort()` function (from the `java.util` package).

Step by step solution

01

Definition

A library function is a predefined function in a programming language that is part of the standard library or any specific library imported by the programmer. These functions are intended to be reusable, thus saving time and effort in coding.
02

Purpose

Library functions are designed to perform common tasks. They are pre-written by developers to be reliable and efficient, which can be used without having to implement the same code repeatedly. Examples of library functions include input/output operations, mathematical calculations, and string manipulations.
03

Usage

To use a library function, firstly, the programmer needs to include or import the library containing the specific function. Then, they can call the function by its name followed by a list of arguments in parentheses as required by the function's definition.
04

Examples

Some examples of commonly used library functions are: 1. In Python, the `print()` function is provided in the standard library. It can be used to display text or a value on the screen. 2. In C++, the `sqrt()` function, which calculates the square root of a number, is a part of the `cmath` library. By including `#include `, the programmer can use the `sqrt()` function in their code. 3. In Java, the `Arrays.sort()` function is part of the `java.util` package, which helps to sort an array in ascending order. By importing `import java.util.Arrays;`, the programmer can use the `Arrays.sort()` function. Remember to refer to the language's documentation or library's documentation to understand proper usage and available functions.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

What does the following statement do? print(random.randint(1, 20))

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Look at the following function definition: def do_something(number): return number * 2 a. What is the name of the function? b. What does the function do? c. Given the function definition, what will the following statement display? print(do_something(10))

Is it permissible for a local variable in one function to have the same name as a local variable in a different function?

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