Photo by ThisisEngineering on Unsplash

Variable Length Arguments in Python 2025: A Key to Dynamic Functions

Mastering Variable Length Arguments in Python: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners

When you’re writing Python functions, one of the most powerful tools you can use is variable length arguments. These allow your functions to accept any number of inputs, making them incredibly flexible and reusable. In this post, we’ll dive into how you can use variable length arguments to take your Python skills to the next level.

Understanding Variable Length Arguments in python

Variable length arguments in Python are implemented using two special types of parameters: *args and **kwargs. Let's explore each of these:

• *args: This allows you to pass a multiple variable values of non-keyword arguments. The args is just a convention; you can use any name you like, but it must start with an asterisk (*). These arguments are collected into a tuple.

def my_function(*args):
    for arg in args:
        print(arg)

my_function('Hello', 'World', 'Python')

• **kwargs: This allows you to pass a variable values of keyword arguments. The kwargs is also a convention; you can use any name you like, but it must start with two asterisks (**). These arguments are collected into a dictionary.

def my_function(**kwargs):
    for key, value in kwargs.items():
        print(f"{key}: {value}")

my_function(name='John', age=30, city='New York')

Let’s break down the program step by step:

Understanding **kwargs

• **kwargs allows the function to accept any number of keyword arguments (arguments passed with a name).
• These arguments are stored in a dictionary where:
• The keys are the argument names (name, age, city).
• The values are the corresponding values ('John', 30, 'New York').

Step-by-Step Execution

1. The function my_function(**kwargs) is defined with **kwargs, meaning it can accept multiple named arguments.
2. When calling my_function(name='John', age=30, city='New York'), Python stores the arguments inside a dictionary:

kwargs = {'name': 'Harish', 'age': 27, 'city': 'India'}

3. The function loops through the dictionary using:

for key, value in kwargs.items():

• .items() returns key-value pairs from the dictionary to Variable(Key and value).
• The print(f"{key}: {value}") statement prints each key and its corresponding value.

Output of the Program

name: Harish
age: 27
city: India

Combining *args and **kwargs

You can use both *args and **kwargs in the same function to handle both types of variable arguments. This is incredibly useful when you want to create functions that can handle a wide range of inputs.

def my_function(*args, **kwargs):
    print("Arguments:", args)
    print("Keyword Arguments:", kwargs)
my_function('apple', 'banana', fruit='orange', quantity=5)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: The difference between **Kwargs and *args?

A: *args is used for non-keyword arguments and collects them into a tuple, while **kwargs is used for keyword arguments and collects them into a dictionary.

Q: Can I use *args and **kwargs in the same function?

A: Yes, you can use both in the same function to handle both types of variable arguments.

Q: How do I access the arguments passed to a function using *args or **kwargs?

A: You access *args as a tuple and **kwargs as a dictionary within your function.

Take Your Python Skills Further

Now that you’ve learned about variable length arguments, it’s time to dive deeper into Python. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to enhance your skills, having the right resources can make all the difference.

Download Free Python PDF Notes and Join Our Free Crash Course

Head over to TopMate to get your hands on comprehensive Python notes and join a free crash course. This is your chance to learn from the basics to advanced concepts in a structured and engaging way.

Get Personalized Help with a Free 30-Minute Session

Struggling with a particular Python concept? Book a free 30-minute 1-to-1 session with me at TopMate. Let’s work through your challenges together and take your Python journey to the next level.