Return Statements

Python tutorial · PySpark.in

Return Statements

The return statement in Python is used to send a value from a function back to the calling statement. It also terminates the execution of the function and transfers program control back to the caller. If a function does not contain a return statement, it returns None by default.

PURPOSE OF RETURN STATEMENT

To send computed results from a function
To pass output back to the calling program
To allow reuse of function results
To terminate function execution explicitly

SYNTAX OF RETURN STATEMENT

```

Hide

return expression

```

WORKING OF RETURN STATEMENT (INTERNAL FLOW)

Function execution reaches the return statement
The expression after return is evaluated
The evaluated value is sent back to the caller
Function execution stops immediately
Control returns to the calling statement

TYPES OF RETURN STATEMENTS

1. Returning a Single Value

Example

```

def square(n):

return n * n

result = square(5)

print(result)

```

Explanation

The function computes the square of a number
The computed value is returned
The returned value is stored in result

2. Returning Multiple Values

Python allows a function to return multiple values by packing them into a tuple.

Example

```

def calculate(a, b):

return a + b, a - b

x, y = calculate(10, 5)

```

Explanation

Two values are returned
Python internally returns a tuple
Tuple is unpacked into x and y

3. Returning No Value

If a function does not explicitly return a value, Python returns None automatically.

Example

```

def show():

print("Hello")

result = show()

print(result)

```

MULTIPLE RETURN STATEMENTS

A function may contain more than one return statement, but only one return statement is executed depending on the flow of control.

Example

```

def check(num):

if num > 0:

return "Positive"

else:

return "Negative"

```

RETURN VS PRINT STATEMENT

Return Statement	Print Statement
Sends value back to caller	Displays value on screen
Used for computation	Used for output only
Terminates function execution	Does not terminate function
Value can be reused	Value cannot be reused

RETURN WITH CONDITIONAL STATEMENTS

```

def even_odd(n):

if n % 2 == 0:

return "Even"

return "Odd"

```

IMPORTANT RULES OF RETURN STATEMENT

Code after return is never executed
A function can have multiple return statements
return without value returns None
Can return any data type (int, float, list, tuple, object)

Return Statements