What are parameters and arguments?

Parameters and arguments play a crucial role in how functions operate in programming. Parameters are defined as the variables that are part of a function's definition—they act as placeholders that specify what type of input the function can accept. When a function is called, specific values are then supplied to this function, and these values are referred to as arguments.

In this context, parameters and arguments serve distinct purposes: parameters are outlined in the function definition and set the expectation for the inputs, while arguments represent the actual data supplied to fulfill these parameters when a function is invoked. This clear differentiation helps maintain readability and organization in code, preventing confusion about the source of data.

The other choices do not accurately capture the relationship between parameters and arguments. For instance, stating that parameters are values returned from a function is incorrect because it confuses parameters with return values, while describing them as placeholders misrepresents their role in function definitions. Understanding this distinction is fundamental for effective programming, making the choice that identifies parameters as variables and arguments as the specific values passed the most accurate and informative.