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Thread: Actual and Formal Parameters

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    Default Actual and Formal Parameters

    I have the following Code


    Which is the Formal Parameter?

    Which is the Actual Parameter?

    Thanks for looking
    Last edited by mikec2500; January 26th, 2011 at 12:56 PM.


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    Default Re: Actual and Formal Parameters

    What do you think? What did google tell you? We aren't just going to do your homework for you.
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    Smile Re: Actual and Formal Parameters

    actual parameters are the parameters in calling function. and formal parameters are the parameters in called function.
    example:
    class add
    {
    public static void main(String s[])
    {
    int a=5;
    int b=4;
    sum(a,b); // here a and b are actual parameters
    public sum(int c,int d)//here c and are formal parameters
    {
    int s;
    s=c+d;
    system.out.println("the sum is:" &s);
    }
    }}

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    Default Re: Actual and Formal Parameters

    I learned them as Arguments, and Parameters. Is that incorrect -- a C++ term?

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    Default Re: Actual and Formal Parameters

    Quote Originally Posted by Brt93yoda View Post
    I learned them as Arguments, and Parameters. Is that incorrect -- a C++ term?
    As did I. I don't think it really matters. I've only seen the terms "actual" and "formal" parameters from people on forums looking for homework help. I don't really understand the importance of spending time on this distinction, when I can think of about a hundred other things that would be more important to teach.

    From wikipedia: Many programmers use parameter and argument interchangeably, depending on context to distinguish the meaning. In practice, distinguishing between the two terms is usually unnecessary in order to use them correctly or communicate their use to other programmers. Alternatively, the words actual and formal can be used to distinguish between an argument and a parameter, respectively. For example, the equivalent terms actual argument and actual parameter may be used instead of argument; and formal argument and formal parameter may be used instead of parameter.

    Parameter (computer programming) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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