What are named parameters?

Named parameters refer to parameters that are defined with specific names, enhancing the clarity and usability of function calls in programming. This approach enables developers to understand what each parameter represents without needing to refer to the documentation extensively. They can be passed in any order, as each is identified by its name, which makes the code more readable and maintainable.

For instance, when using named parameters, a function can accept parameters like width=10 and height=5, making it immediately clear what these values signify. This is especially useful in scenarios with functions that have multiple optional parameters, as it allows the caller to specify only the parameters they are interested in, while leaving others at their default values.

This method contrasts with positional parameters, where the order of arguments is crucial and can lead to misunderstandings if not documented or used correctly. Named parameters pave the way for cleaner, more expressive code that is easier to work with, especially in collaborative projects or when revisiting code after a period.