Parameter

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A practical dictionary of 512 AI, machine learning, mathematics, and programming terms from HerbDev’s AI Vocabulary app. Start with a definition, explore an example, then follow the concepts behind it.

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Functions & Programming Concepts · Level 2 of 5

A named input in a function definition, or an adjustable value in a model.

Programming parameters receive arguments; model parameters are often learned from data.

Example

A function declares x as its input name before any call occurs.

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Audio transcript

Parameter. A named input in a function definition, or an adjustable value in a model. Programming parameters receive arguments; model parameters are often learned from data. For example: A function declares x as its input name before any call occurs.

Explore this concept

A useful analogy

A labeled socket waiting for a supplied plug; in model training, an adjustable knob.

Why it matters

This helps you distinguish a computation’s contract, inputs, outputs, and behavior.

Technical detail

In def square(x), x is a formal parameter and square(3) supplies the argument 3. Model parameters θ are values fitted by training.

Common misconception

Function parameters and model parameters share a word but serve different roles.

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Function

Related concepts

Quick recall question

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