Assign Function to a Variable in Python

Last Updated : 11 Jun, 2026

Functions are first-class objects, which means they can be assigned to variables just like any other value. Once a function is assigned to a variable, the function can be called using either the original function name or the variable.

Python 
def show():
    print("GFG")

func = show
func()

Output
GFG

Explanation:

  • show is a function that prints "GFG".
  • func = show assigns the function reference to the variable func.
  • Calling func() executes the show() function

Note: When assigning a function to a variable, use the function name without parentheses. Writing func = show assigns the function itself, while func = show() executes the function and assigns its return value.

Syntax

def function_name(parameters):
# function body
pass

variable_name = function_name
variable_name(arguments)

Where:

  • function_name is the name of the function.
  • variable_name stores the reference to the function.
  • variable_name(arguments) calls the function through the variable.

Examples

Example 1: The following example demonstrates assigning a function to a variable and calling it using that variable. It also shows the difference between local and global variables.

Python 
x = 123

def display():
    x = 98
    print(x)
    print(globals()['x'])

print(x)

a = display
a()
a()

Output
123
98
123
98
123

Explanation:

  • global variable x has the value 123. Inside display(), a local variable x with value 98 is created.
  • globals()['x'] accesses the global variable x, a = display assigns the function to the variable a and calling a() executes the display() function.

Example 2: The following example assigns a function that accepts a parameter to a variable and calls it using that variable.

Python 
def check(num):
    if num % 2 == 0:
        print("Even number")
    else:
        print("Odd number")

a = check
a(67)
a(10)
a(7)

Output
Odd number
Even number
Odd number

Explanation:

  • check(num) determines whether a number is even or odd.
  • a = check assigns the function to the variable a.
  • Calling a(num) executes the check() function with the given argument.

Example 3: The following example assigns a function that returns a value to a variable and calls it using that variable.

Python 
def multiply(num):
    return num * 40

a = multiply
print(a(6))
print(a(10))
print(a(100))

Output
240
400
4000

Explanation:

  • multiply(num) returns num * 40 and a = multiply stores a reference to the function in a.
  • Calling a(num) executes the function and returns the calculated value.
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