This programming language misconception is about the syntax of Python's function calls.

Incorrect and Correct Conception

Convince Yourself

You see that the first print call outputs a description of the function f, not the result of calling the function f. Thus, the parentheses are necessary even when calling a function without argument.

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If you would like to learn more about this misconception, including its possible origins, symptoms students who hold this misconception might exhibit, the related programming language concepts, links to the corresponding parts of the Python language specification, and related misconceptions, check out ParenthesesOnlyIfArgument in the progmiscon.org misconception inventory.