Python Return Statement

The return statement in Python is used to send a value back from a function. It terminates the function and allows you to store the returned value for further use.

Using the Return Statement

A function can return any data type, including numbers, strings, lists, tuples, dictionaries, or even other functions.

Example: Returning a Single Value

def add(a, b):
    return a + b

result = add(5, 3)
print(result)  # Output: 8

Example: Returning Multiple Values

A function can return multiple values as a tuple.

def operations(a, b):
    return a + b, a - b, a * b, a / b

sum_result, diff, prod, div = operations(10, 2)
print(sum_result, diff, prod, div)

Example: Returning a List

You can return lists or other complex data structures from a function.

def squares(numbers):
    return [n ** 2 for n in numbers]

print(squares([1, 2, 3, 4]))

Key Takeaways

• The return statement sends data back from a function.
• A function can return a single value, multiple values, or complex data types.
• Returning multiple values automatically packs them into a tuple.