Arguments and Parameters - do you know the difference?

When talking about code, arguments and parameters are oftentimes mixed up. So let's clarify that once and for all!

Let's have a look at a simple JavaScript function:

function log(a, b) {
  // do something
}

const myString = "codesnacks"

log(10, myString)

So we have a log function, that takes two parameters, a and b. And we're calling it with the two arguments 10 and myString.

The parameters a and b are potential values, 10 and myString, the arguments, are actual values.

It's relatively easy to remember if you keep the following in mind:

Parameters are Placeholders.
Arguments are Actual values.

Comments

[Brian Barbour]

I did not know this! I thought they were synonyms for each other.

[MarieWie]

That is a really nifty mnemonic for a difference I was not quite clear on yet. Thank you!

[Aaron Maurice]

This is great!
I knew which is which, but a mnemonic is super handy!

[Vince Ramces Oliveros]

There are some languages that offer Pass By Value and Pass by Reference

most programming languages are Pass By Value

[SHIVANSH PATEL]

Thanks buddy

[Devesh Lashkari]

I never thought about this. Thanks :)