In programming, functions and methods are both blocks of code that perform a specific task. However, there are some key differences between them.

Definition and Invocation:
A function is a standalone block of code that can be called from anywhere in the program. It can be defined within a class or outside of it. It is invoked using its name, followed by parentheses. For example:

def square(x):
return x * x


result = square(5)

A method, on the other hand, is a function that is defined inside a class and operates on an instance of that class. It is invoked using the instance name, followed by a dot and the method name, followed by parentheses. For example:

class MyClass:
def square(self, x):
return x * x

obj = MyClass()
result = obj.square(5)


Access to Data:
A function has no direct access to the data of the class or object that calls it. It can only access the data that is passed as arguments. In other words, it operates independently of any particular instance of a class.

A method, on the other hand, has direct access to the data of the instance of the class that calls it. It can read and modify the data of the object that it belongs to. In other words, it operates within the context of a particular instance of a class.

Scope and Visibility:
A function is defined in the global scope, and its visibility is determined by its definition. It can be accessed from anywhere in the program, as long as it is in the scope.

A method, on the other hand, is defined within the scope of a class and is only accessible from within that class or its instances.

Inheritance:
Functions cannot be inherited, which means that they cannot be overridden or extended by child classes.

Methods, on the other hand, can be inherited, which means that they can be overridden or extended by child classes. This is a key feature of object-oriented programming, which allows for code reuse and abstraction.

In summary, functions and methods are both blocks of code that perform a specific task. Functions are standalone and operate independently of any particular instance of a class, while methods are defined within a class and operate on an instance of that class. Methods have direct access to the data of the object that they belong to, while functions can only access data that is passed as arguments. Finally, methods can be inherited, while functions cannot be.

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