---
description: >-
  An introduction to the functions which can be used to transform and
  combine values in expressions.
---

# Functions

## Built-in Functions

The OpenTofu language includes a number of built-in functions that you can
call from within expressions to transform and combine values. The general
syntax for function calls is a function name followed by comma-separated
arguments in parentheses:

```hcl
max(5, 12, 9)
```

For more details on syntax, see
[_Function Calls_](../../language/expressions/function-calls.mdx)
in the Expressions section.

You can experiment with the behavior of OpenTofu's built-in functions from
the OpenTofu expression console, by running
[the `tofu console` command](../../cli/commands/console.mdx):

```
> max(5, 12, 9)
12
```

The examples in the documentation for each function use console output to
illustrate the result of calling the function with different parameters.

## Provider-defined Functions

As of OpenTofu 1.7.0, providers may define their own functions to be available during
execution.

OpenTofu iterates through the [required_providers](../../language/providers/requirements.mdx) block
and queries the specified providers for any functions they wish to register. Functions are
added to the current module's context under `provider::<provider_name>::<function_name>`.  Provider
aliases are also supported under `provider::<provider_name>::<provider_alias>::<function_name>`.
Functions are scoped to the module that requires the provider and are not inherited by child modules.

### Example:

```hcl
terraform {
  required_providers {
    myhelper = {
      # yantrio/helpers registers a function named "echo"
      source = "yantrio/helpers"
    }
  }
}

locals {
  myval = provider::myhelper::echo("Hello Functions!")
}
```

### Notes for Provider Authors:
* Support for functions was added in protocol version 5.5 and 6.5.
* OpenTofu's provider protocol is compatible with Terraform's provider protocol.
* `GetProviderSchema()` is used to initially query the functions available in a given provider.
* Providers which supply functions may be configured and may supply additional functions via `GetFunctions()`. See the experimental [Lua](https://github.com/opentofu/terraform-provider-lua) and [Go](https://github.com/opentofu/terraform-provider-go) providers for implementation examples.
