In Python, the correct way to create a function is to use the def keyword, give the function a valid name, add parentheses (with optional parameters), a colon, and then an indented block for the body.

Basic syntax

python

def function_name(parameters):
    # function body
    # do something
    return result  # optional

Key points:

  • Use def followed by the function name.
  • Put any parameters inside (); leave empty if there are none.
  • End the definition line with a colon :.
  • Indent the body consistently (usually 4 spaces).
  • Use return if you want the function to give back a value (optional).

Simple example

python

def greet():
    print("Hello, World!")

Calling it:

python

greet()

Function with parameters and return

python

def add(a, b):
    result = a + b
    return result

Calling:

python

sum_value = add(2, 3)
print(sum_value)  # 5

Best practices (quick scoop style)

  • Use descriptive function names like calculate_total or send_email.
  • Follow naming conventions: lowercase with underscores (snake_case).

  • Add a short docstring if the function is non-trivial:

    python

    def add(a, b): """Return the sum of a and b.""" return a + b

In everyday Python code (from scripts to large apps), almost all reusable logic is wrapped in functions using exactly this def name(params): pattern, with clean indentation and optional returns.

TL;DR:
The correct way is:

python

def name(optional_parameters):
    # indented body
    return optional_value  # if needed

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.