What distinguishes a function from a procedure in programming?

In programming, the key distinction between a function and a procedure lies in their intended outcomes and behaviors, specifically regarding value returns. A function is designed to calculate and return a value to the part of the program that called it. This value can then be used in further computations, allowing for a more modular and reusable code structure. This return capability is fundamental to the function’s role in programming, as it enables a function to behave like a mathematical function that produces an output based on given inputs.

In contrast, procedures typically are used to execute a sequence of statements or commands but do not return a value. They may perform tasks or actions within a program, but when such a block of code is called, it executes its instructions without directly providing a value back to the caller. This difference is important for structuring code and understanding how to leverage functions for more complex computational tasks.

The other choices do not accurately represent the differences between functions and procedures. For instance, both functions and procedures can accept parameters. The comparative speed of procedures versus functions is not a defining characteristic, as performance can vary depending on context and implementation. Additionally, both functions and procedures can potentially perform multiple tasks; however, functions are generally characterized by their ability to return values rather than by