Python Return Statement Tutorial

Introduction

In Python, the return statement serves the purpose of providing a value from a function. This statement is exclusive to functions, meaning it cannot be utilized outside the confines of a Python function. A return statement consists of the return keyword followed by the value intended to be returned.

Syntax of return statement:

def funtion_name():
statements
.
.
.
return [expression]

Program 1

def adding(x, y):
    i = x + y
    return i
result = adding(16, 25)
print(f'Output of adding(16, 25) function is {result}')

Output

Program 2

def adding(a, b):
	# this function is return the value of (a + b)
	return a + b
def boolean_function(a):
	# this function is return the Boolean value
	return bool(a)
# calling function
flag = adding(2, 3)
print("Output of first function is {}".format(flag))
flag = boolean_function(9 < 5)
print("\nOutput of second function is {}".format(flag))

Output.

Returning Multiple Values

In the Python programming language, it is possible for a user to return several values from a function. Below are the different approaches to achieve this.

1. Utilizing an Object: This approach bears resemblance to the techniques used in C / C++ and Java. A user can define a class designed to encapsulate multiple values within a function and subsequently return an instance of that class.
Example
Copy
class a:
	def __init__(self):
		self.omg = "logicpractice is the best website to learn"
		self.i = 122
# This function will return an object of the class a
def test():
	return a()
# Driver code to test the above method
z = test()
print(z.omg)
print(z.i)
Try it Yourself
2. Utilizing Tuple: A tuple resembles a list, yet there exists a notable distinction between the two. In a tuple, the values of the objects remain immutable, whereas in a list, the object values are mutable and can be altered.
Example
Copy
def test():
	omg = "logicpractice is the best website to learn"
	i = 122
	return omg, i;
    # Return tuple, we could also.
# Driver code to test the above method.
omg, i = test()
# Assign return tuple
print(omg)
print(i)
Try it Yourself
3. Utilizing a list: A list functions similarly to an array that can dynamically adjust its size. Within a list, users have the ability to store a variety of items under one single variable.
Example
Copy
def test():
	omg = "logicpractice"
	i = 122
	return [omg, i];
# Driver code to test the above method
list = test()
print(list)
Try it Yourself
4. Utilizing dictionaries: In Python, a dictionary is an unordered collection of items that serve the purpose of storing data values, functioning similarly to a hash or map.
Example
Copy
def test():
	a = dict();
	a['omg'] = "logicpractice"
	a['i'] = 122
	return a
# Driver code to test the above method
a = test()
print(a)
Try it Yourself
5. Employing Data Class (Python 3.7+)
Example
Copy
from dataclasses import dataclass
@dataclass
class Book_list:
	bookname: str
	cost: float
	quantity_of_book_available: int = 0
	# This function is used to calculate the total cost of the books
	def total_cost_of_book(self) -> float:
		return self.cost * self.quantity_of_book_available
book = Book_list("Python programming language.", 499, 10)
i = book.total_cost_of_book()
# print the total cost
print(i)
# print the details of the book
print(book)
Try it Yourself

Output

Function returning another function

In the Python programming language, functions are treated as first-class objects. This means that it is possible for a user to return a function from within another function.

In the program shown below, the function firstadd yields the function secondadd as its output.

def first_add(x):
	def second_add(y):
		return x + y
	return second_add
i = first_add(20)
print("The value of x + y is", i(10))
# second function
def outer_func(x):
	return x * 5
def func():
	# return the value in the different function
	return outer_func
# storing the function in z
z = func()
print("\nThe value of x * y is", z(10))

Output