Return Values

Sometimes a function should do more than print something.

Sometimes we want a function to give a result back to us.

Python uses the return keyword for this.

What Is Return?

return sends a value out of a function.

That value can be stored in a variable, printed, or used later.

Why Return Is Useful

With return, a function can:

• Calculate an answer
• Send data back
• Be reused in bigger programs
• Work with other code

Print vs Return

These are not the same.

Using Print

def add():
    print(2 + 3)

add()

Output

5

This shows the answer on the screen.

Using Return

def add():
    return 2 + 3

result = add()
print(result)

Output

5

This gives the answer back so we can store it.

Another Example

def greet(name):
    return "Hello " + name

message = greet("Sara")
print(message)

Output

Hello Sara

Return Stops the Function

When Python reaches return, the function ends.

def test():
    return "Done"
    print("This will not run")

print(test())

Output

Done

Using Return in Math

def multiply(a, b):
    return a * b

answer = multiply(4, 5)
print(answer)

Output

20

Code Along

def square(number):
    return number * number

print(square(6))

Output

36

Mini Challenge

Build an add function.

Steps:

• Create a function called add
• Give it two parameters
• Return the total
• Call the function with 3 and 7
• Print the result

Expected output:

10

Real World Use Case

Programs use return to calculate totals, check results, send data, and build reusable features.

Quiz

1. What does return do?
2. Can a returned value be stored in a variable?
3. Does the function continue after return?
4. What is the difference between print and return?

Assignment

Create a function called subtract that returns the answer of two numbers. Print the result.

Summary

You learned that return sends a value out of a function so it can be used, stored, or printed later.