In programming, a function takes inputs, performs computation, and may return an output. The standard term for a function’s inputs isarguments(also commonly discussed alongside the closely related termparameters). Textbooks typically distinguish the two:parametersare the names listed in the function definition, whileargumentsare the actual values supplied when the function is called. For example, in def f(x, y):, x and y are parameters. In the call f(3, 5), 3 and 5 are arguments. Many introductory materials use “arguments” informally to refer to the inputs overall, which matches the wording of this question.

Options A, B, and C do not fit the textbook definition. “Variables” is too broad; inputs can be literals, expressions, or variables, but the conceptual role is “arguments.” “Procedures” are callable units of code (often used in some languages to mean functions without return values), not the inputs. “Outputs” refers to returned results, not what you pass in.

Understanding arguments is important because it connects to call semantics, scope, and correctness. Different languages support positional arguments, keyword arguments, default values, and variadic arguments (e.g., *args, **kwargs in Python). This flexibility shapes API design and influences how programmers structure reusable code.