what is the significance of empty parentheses in a function declaration.?

Answer 1

it means it doesnt require any parameters

Answer 2

Empty parentheses is short for (Void). Void means this list is empty.
When you call any function, all parameters needed are pushed on to a stack along with return address.
The calling program (some system routine that prepares the jump instruction) have to pop all the parameters before the function starts executing. The void / empty parenthesis makes sure the stack is used properly, which will result in incorrect return address.

Answer 3

In the C / C++ syntax languages ( C / C++ / C# / Java ) , a function is always declared with parantheses even if it has no parameters. Parantheses are required according to the syntax.

This is in contrast to the Algol syntax languages ( Algol / Pascal / Modula-2 / Object pascal / Delphi ) where parantheses arent necessary if a function takes no arguments.

Vivek

Answer 4

The empty parentheses () is passing a null arguement to the function.

Answer 5

In a function a sub a () following is usally used to signify a byval. An empty () returns a null argument

Like..

Function ShowAll(ByVal Name as Object)
End Function

So in a Button.Click event if you say
ShowAll(Me)
The Name in ShowAll() will return all the objects in Me(*current form)