function call

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function call

A programmer types a function call into their code editor.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A specific instruction in a computer program: A "function call" is an instruction that transfers execution to a defined subroutine or function. After the subroutine completes its task, execution returns to the point immediately following the call in the main program.
Usage
  • A "function call" is a fundamental concept in programming. It involves using the name of a function, often with arguments enclosed in parentheses, to execute the code within that function.
  • It represents the invocation or activation of a function's code block from another part of the program.
Examples
  • Noun:
    • The program's efficiency improved after optimizing the frequent function call within the loop.
    • A function call like calculateTotal(price, tax) passes the control to the calculateTotal subroutine.
    • Debugging often involves tracing the sequence of function calls to find where an error occurs.
Advanced Usage
  • Nested Function Call: A "function call" where the argument for one call is the result of another call.
    • print(sqrt(25)) is an example of a nested function call where sqrt(25) is evaluated first.
  • Recursive Function Call: A special case where a function calls itself as part of its execution.
    • The factorial algorithm uses a recursive function call to solve the problem.
Variants and Related Words
  • Call (verb/noun): In programming, to invoke a subroutine. The "function call" is the specific instance of this action.
  • Subroutine Call / Procedure Call: Terms often used synonymously with "function call," though they may imply slight differences in language semantics (e.g., a procedure might not return a value).
  • Invocation: A more formal term for the act of calling a function or subroutine.
Synonyms
  • Subroutine invocation
  • Procedure call
  • Method call (in object-oriented programming)
Related Phrases
  • Function Call Stack (Call Stack): A data structure that stores information about the active , tracking the point to which each should return control.
    • An overflow error can occur if too many recursive function calls fill the call stack.
  • Function Call Overhead: The extra computational resources (time, memory) required to make a , including passing arguments and managing the call stack.
    • Inlining small functions can reduce function call overhead.
Notes
  • The term is specific to computer science and programming. The "call" in "function call" is metaphorical, based on the idea of calling upon a subroutine to perform a service.
  • The structure and syntax of a "function call" vary between programming languages (e.g., in C/Java, in Haskell).
function call

A programmer types a function call into their code editor.

Noun
  1. a call that passes control to a subroutine; after the subroutine is executed control returns to the next instruction in main program