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→INVESTIGATION 1: USING FUNCTIONS
:A very simple definition of using '''functions''' is like having '''smaller programs contained inside a larger program''' that can be run by '''function name''' to perform '''repeated or commonly routine tasks'''.
:Usually, the '''function''' will '''contain programming code''' in some part of the main program (most likely near the '''top''' of the program '''BEFORE''' the main program).: When a program is run, the '''function's code is read into internal memory''', ready to be run when the function is '''run''' (i.e. '''function is "called"'''). By '''calling the function''' the function is run automatically.
:When creating programs that define and use functions, '''a large programming task can be broken-down into smaller elements''' (or '''modules'''). This is why creating programs that use functions is referred to as '''"modular programming"'''.
:In our situation, a Python '''function''' is a '''predefined set of code''', this code is loaded into python (eg. internal memory), but it does not immediately perform any actions. Functions may accept arguments and/or return values, or not accept arguments and/or return values. Until a Function is specifically told to execute, it's code will sit (in internal memory) unused.