Actual parameter: Difference between revisions
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In [[computer science]], an '''actual parameter''' is a name or value passed to a subroutine. This is in contrast to a [[formal parameter]], which is the name by which the subroutine refers actual parameter. For example, in [[C (programming language)|C]], | In [[computer science]], an '''actual parameter''' is a name or value passed to a subroutine. This is in contrast to a [[formal parameter]], which is the name by which the subroutine refers actual parameter. For example, in [[C (programming language)|C]], | ||
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The subroutine bar() calls foo(). When bar() calls foo(), it passes the constant 1. Within bar(), 1 is an actual parameter to foo(). Within foo(), a is a formal parameter which references the actual parameter 1 from bar(). | The subroutine bar() calls foo(). When bar() calls foo(), it passes the constant 1. Within bar(), 1 is an actual parameter to foo(). Within foo(), a is a formal parameter which references the actual parameter 1 from bar(). | ||
Revision as of 04:19, 24 September 2007
In computer science, an actual parameter is a name or value passed to a subroutine. This is in contrast to a formal parameter, which is the name by which the subroutine refers actual parameter. For example, in C,
int foo(int a)
{
int b = 5;
return a + b;
}
int bar(void)
{
return foo(1);
}
The subroutine bar() calls foo(). When bar() calls foo(), it passes the constant 1. Within bar(), 1 is an actual parameter to foo(). Within foo(), a is a formal parameter which references the actual parameter 1 from bar().