What's the difference between an argument and a parameter?

Question

When verbally talking about methods, I\'m never sure whether to use the word argument or parameter or something else. Either way the other people know what

Answer 1

In editing, I'm often put off at how people forget: structure languages are based on natural languages.

In English

A "parameter" is a placeholder. They set the response format, in spoken language. By definition, it's party to the call, limiting the response.

An "argument" is a position that is being considered. You argue your opinion: you consider an argument.

Main difference

The thematic role of an argument is agent. The thematic role of parameter is recipient.

Interactions

Think of the argument as the male part, making the parameter the female part. The argument goes into the parameter.

Usage

A parameter is usually used in definitions. An argument is usually used in invocations.

Questions

Finish the sentence to make it less dissonant.

(A) Speaking of a definition:

1. What argument will be used []?
2. What [] will this parameter []?

(B) Speaking of an invocation:

1. What parameter will you use, []?
2. What [] will be [] this parameter?

Answers

(A)

1. on/in/against/with this parameter
2. argument(s) ... take

(B)

1. and what are some example arguments
2. argument(s) ... used on/in/against/with

Overlaps

As you can imagine, after answering: in spoken language, these words will sometimes produce identical responses!

So, as a rule:

• Usually if someone wants parameter information, they want to know more about the type, the variable name, etc. They may become confused if you only give example arguments.

  • Usually if someone wants argument information, they want to know what value you passed to a function or its parameter(s).