📤 Return Statements — Getting Results Back

Return statements let functions send data back to you so you can use the result.

🎯 What Does Return Do?

The `return` keyword sends a value back from the function so you can capture and use that value elsewhere in your code. Without `return`, your function would have no way to give you data back. Think of `return` as the function's way of saying "here's the result I calculated."

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

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

The function calculates 5 + 3 and returns the answer (8). You store it in a variable to use it.

📤 Return vs Print

These are NOT the same:

# print() — just shows it on screen
def add_print(a, b):
    print(a + b)

add_print(5, 3)  # Shows: 8
result = add_print(5, 3)  # Shows: 8, but result = None (nothing!)

# return — sends the value back
def add_return(a, b):
    return a + b

result = add_return(5, 3)  # result = 8 (we can use it!)
print(result)  # Output: 8

💡 Simple Example

Here's an easy example: the function takes a number, performs a calculation, and sends the result back to you. You capture that result in a variable and can then use it in any way you want—print it, do math with it, or pass it to another function.

def double(x):
    return x * 2

answer = double(5)
print(answer)  # Output: 10

The function takes 5, doubles it (10), and returns the result. You store it in `answer` and can use it.

🎨 Real-World Example

def celsius_to_fahrenheit(celsius):
    fahrenheit = (celsius * 9/5) + 32
    return fahrenheit

temp = celsius_to_fahrenheit(0)
print(f"0°C is {temp}°F")  # 0°C is 32.0°F

temp2 = celsius_to_fahrenheit(100)
print(f"100°C is {temp2}°F")  # 100°C is 212.0°F

✅ Return Rules

1. `return` stops the function immediately

2. Code after `return` doesn't run

3. You can return any type of data

def get_name():
    return "Alice"  # Return a string

def get_age():
    return 25  # Return a number

name = get_name()
age = get_age()
print(f"{name} is {age} years old")  # Alice is 25 years old

🔑 Key Takeaways

🔗 What's Next?

Now let's learn about scope — where variables can be used.

Next: Local vs Global Scope →

Ready to practice? Try challenges or view solutions