Function
From Free net encyclopedia
The word function may mean:
- In common parlance, a role of a component in an assembly, or of an element in a systemic aggregate (such as a person within a group).
- In mathematics and most scientific and technical fields, an abstract entity that associates every element (input, argument) of a certain set of numbers or other objects to a corresponding element (output, result) in some other set: see function (mathematics).
- In computer science, depending on the context and programming language:
- A mathematical function, as above.
- Any subroutine or procedure.
- A subroutine that returns a value.
- A subroutine which has no side-effects; see functional programming.
- A function object, a concept of object-oriented programming.
- In some scientific or technical contexts, a deterministic relation between two quantities or phenomena, e.g. by definition, by design, or by a natural cause-and-effect connection.
- In language studies, the grammatical function of a word or phrase in a sentence.
- In sociology, the focus of functionalism: see social function.
- In philosophy, a normative relation of objects to their use or consequences; see function (philosophy).
- In engineering and systems science we have a shortest and most general definition of function, as " every goal-oriented property of system or process" (TOGA meta-theory, 1993). In fact, it is possible to realize the same function using different physical processes, and one process can be a carrier of multiple functions. For example, the main function of a clock, the presentation of time, can be realized by different physical processes, including atomic, electronic, and mechanical processes. In many cases, this concept is also used in a metaphoric sense, for example, by attributing a goal to the natural selection processes.
- In physics, the concept function exists only in the mathematical sense because the concept goal does not exist. However if we change the application/use of an object, it may change dramatically functions without changing any of its own physical properties.
- In music, the role (tonic, dominant, etc.) of a note in a chord: see diatonic functionality.
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Other meaning
- Functionary, someone who carries out a particular role within an organisation; a close synonym for official
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