Functions

Segmenting code into functions allows a programmer to create modular pieces of code that perform a defined task and then return to the area of code from which the function was "called". The typical case for creating a function is when one needs to perform the same action multiple times in a program. (1)

Functions help the programmer stay organized. Often this helps to conceptualize the program.
Functions codify one action in one place so that the function only has to be thought out and debugged once.
This also reduces chances for errors in modification, if the code needs to be changed.
Functions make the whole sketch smaller and more compact because sections of code are reused many times.
They make it easier to reuse code in other programs by making it more modular, and as a nice side effect, using functions also often makes the code more readable.

Function Example:

long pingDetect(){

pinMode(pingPin, OUTPUT);

digitalWrite(pingPin, LOW);

delayMicroseconds(2);

digitalWrite(pingPin, HIGH);

delayMicroseconds(5);

digitalWrite(pingPin, LOW);

pinMode(pingPin, INPUT);

duration = pulseIn(pingPin, HIGH);

inches = inchConversion(duration);

cm = cmConversion(duration);

Serial.print(inches);

Serial.print("in, ");

Serial.print(cm);

Serial.print("cm");

Serial.println();

delay(100);

return cm; }

Code Using Function in Void Loop:

void loop() {

cm = pingDetect();

The function allows us to use a shortened version of the code in the void loop and makes correcting errors very easy.

When the Arduino reads the "cm = pingDetect();" it jumps down to the pingDetect function which is declared below the void loop. After preforming the function, the processor then returns to the code in the loop where it left off.

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