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).

Noun

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