#FunctionsVsMethods

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Functions vs. Methods in Python: What's the Difference?

When starting your Python journey, you’ll often hear about functions and methods. They may seem similar, but they have important differences that every beginner should understand. Let��s break it down in a simple way — no coding required.

📘 What Are Functions?

A function in Python is a reusable block of code that performs a specific task. You create it once and use it as many times as needed. Functions work independently — they don’t belong to any object. You just call them by their name and pass the required data, called arguments.

Example in real life: Think of a function like a calculator. You give it numbers (input), press a button (call the function), and get a result (output).

📗 What Are Methods?

A method is also a block of code that performs a task, but it’s tied to a specific object. That means it works on the data that the object contains. In simpler terms, a method is a function that belongs to something — like a list, a string, or a custom object.

Example in real life: Imagine you have a TV remote. The buttons (methods) work only for your TV (object). You can’t use the same buttons on your fridge.

🧠 Key Differences

Functions are standalone, while methods are tied to objects.

You use functions for general tasks, and methods to perform actions specific to the type of data (like modifying a list or changing text).

Functions don’t know anything about the object’s data unless you explicitly give it, but methods automatically access the object’s data.

🤔 Why This Matters

Understanding this difference helps you read, write, and debug Python code more effectively. It also prepares you for deeper topics like object-oriented programming, where methods are used extensively.

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