Python Return Statement

The Python return statement is used inside a function to return a value or an expression to the calling program. It is an optional statement and can be omitted if the function does not need to return a value.

Syntax

The basic syntax of the return statement is as follows:

return [value]

• value: The value or expression to be returned by the function. This is an optional argument.

Examples

Here are a few examples of how to use the return statement in Python:

Example 1: Return a value

def add_numbers(a, b):
    result = a + b
    return result

sum = add_numbers(5, 7)
print(sum)  # Output: 12

In this example, the function add_numbers() takes two arguments a and b, adds them together, and returns the result using the return statement. The calling program stores the returned value in the variable sum and prints it to the console.

Example 2: Return an expression

def get_greeting(name):
    if name:
        return f"Hello, {name}!"
    else:
        return "Hello, World!"

greeting = get_greeting("John")
print(greeting)  # Output: Hello, John!

In this example, the function get_greeting() takes a single argument name and returns a greeting message that includes the name if it is provided, or a default message if it is not. The function uses return statements to return different expressions based on the condition.

Example 3: Omitting the return statement

def say_hello(name):
    print(f"Hello, {name}!")

say_hello("Alice")  # Output: Hello, Alice!

In this example, the function say_hello() takes a single argument name and prints a greeting message to the console. The function does not need to return a value, so it does not include a return statement.

Conclusion

The Python return statement is an essential tool for creating reusable and modular code. It allows a function to return a value or expression to the calling program, which can then use the result in further processing. When writing a function in Python, it is critical to consider whether it needs to return a value and to use the return statement appropriately.