>From http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/A/argument.html
Argument is often used synonymously with parameter, although parameter can also mean any value that can be changed. In addition, some programming languages make a distinction between arguments, which are passed in only one direction, and parameters, which can be passed back and forth, but this distinction is by no means universal. ar�gu�ment ( P ) Pronunciation Key (�rgy-mnt) n. A discussion in which disagreement is expressed; a debate. A quarrel; a dispute. Archaic. A reason or matter for dispute or contention: "sheath'd their swords for lack of argument" (Shakespeare). A course of reasoning aimed at demonstrating truth or falsehood: presented a careful argument for extraterrestrial life. A fact or statement put forth as proof or evidence; a reason: The current low mortgage rates are an argument for buying a house now. A set of statements in which one follows logically as a conclusion from the others. A summary or short statement of the plot or subject of a literary work. A topic; a subject: "You and love are still my argument" (Shakespeare). Logic. The minor premise in a syllogism. Mathematics. The independent variable of a function. The angle of a complex number measured from the positive horizontal axis. Computer Science. A value used to evaluate a procedure or subroutine. Linguistics. In generative grammar, any of various positions occupied by a noun phrase in a sentence. -----Original Message----- From: Beattie, Barry [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, 18 August 2003 9:01 AM To: CFAussie Mailing List Subject: [cfaussie] dumb Q: why the term "arguments" in programming? Someone asked me and I've got no idea where the term came from or why programming uses that particular word. Jeeves doesn't know either. I mean, "function" (it has a functionality), "call" (you call out to it to work - "come here Function...") arguments: do the values fight each othe like my kids do? value1: are we at the function yet? value2: no, stop kicking me value1: well stop hitting me! value2: you started it! value1: !@&[EMAIL PROTECTED] value2: @[EMAIL PROTECTED] parent code: quiet the both of you or I'll kick you out in the error! cheers barry.b --- You are currently subscribed to cfaussie as: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] MX Downunder AsiaPac DevCon - http://mxdu.com/ ************** IMPORTANT MESSAGE ************** This e-mail message is intended only for the addressee(s) and contains information which may be confidential. If you are not the intended recipient please advise the sender by return email, do not use or disclose the contents, and delete the message and any attachments from your system. Unless specifically indicated, this email does not constitute formal advice or commitment by the sender or the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ABN 48 123 123 124) or its subsidiaries. ************************************************** --- You are currently subscribed to cfaussie as: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] MX Downunder AsiaPac DevCon - http://mxdu.com/
