Defining and Calling Functions in Standard Language

Functions let you group a set of instructions under a single name so you can reuse them throughout your program without repeating code. In Standard, defining a function is straightforward: start a new line with the function name, optionally follow it with a : if the function accepts arguments, then open a block with { and close it with } on its own line.

myFunc {
    print "Hello"
}
myFunc #Prints 'Hello'

sayHello: name {
    print ("Hello ".name."!")
}
sayHello: "Kenny" #Prints 'Hello Kenny!'

Function names follow the same naming rules as variables — they must be alphanumeric, cannot start with a number or special character, and cannot share a name with a Standard reserved word. See Variables & Types for the full list of reserved words.

Defining a Function

Choose a name

Pick a descriptive, alphanumeric name that is not a reserved word and does not conflict with any variable name in your program.

Declare arguments (optional)

If your function needs input, follow the name with : and then the argument name(s). Omit the : entirely for functions that take no arguments.

Write the function body

Open the block with { on the same line as the function name, write your code on the lines that follow, and close the block with } on its own line.

Calling a Function

To call a function with no arguments, write its name on a new line. To call a function that expects arguments, write its name followed by : and the value(s) to pass in:

myFunc          #No arguments
sayHello: "Kenny"  #With an argument

For and While Loops in the Standard Language Guide

Write and Run Your First Standard Language Program

⌘I

​Defining a Function

​Calling a Function

Defining a Function

Calling a Function