Best practices for writing Python functions include using clear and descriptive names, keeping functions small and focused, documenting parameters and return values, and using type hints for better readability.

Writing effective Python functions is essential for creating clean, maintainable code. To ensure your functions are effective, start with clear and descriptive names that convey the purpose of the function. This helps other developers (and your future self) understand the code without needing to dive into the implementation details. Keep your functions small and focused; each function should ideally accomplish a single task. This not only makes your code more readable but also easier to test and debug. Incorporating documentation is crucial; use docstrings to describe the parameters, return values, and any exceptions that may be raised. This provides invaluable context to anyone using or maintaining your code. Additionally, consider using type hints to indicate expected argument types and return values, enhancing code readability and enabling better static analysis. Finally, aim for modular design; break larger problems into smaller functions that can be composed to achieve the overall goal. By following these best practices, you can write Python functions that are not only functional but also robust and maintainable.