Return Values

Learning Objectives Define 'return value' and explain its purpose in a function. Write a function that uses the `return` keyword to send back a single piece of data. Capture a function's return value in a variable for later use. Differentiate between a function that prints a value and a function that returns a value. Use the return value of one function as an input (argument) for another function. Trace the flow of data from a function call, through the `return` statement, and back to the main program. Have you ever used a calculator? You type in `2 + 2`, press equals, and it gives you back `4`. How does it hand that answer back to you? 🤔 In this lesson, you'll learn how to make your functions act like that calculator. We will explore how functions can...

TermDefinitionExample FunctionA named block of reusable code that performs a specific task.A function named `calculate_area` could contain the code to multiply length and width. Return ValueThe single piece of data that a function sends back to the part of the program that called it.If you have a function `add(5, 3)`, its return value would be the number `8`. Return StatementThe special keyword (like `return`) in a function that specifies which value to send back.In a function to add two numbers, the line `return sum` sends the value of the `sum` variable back. Function CallThe act of telling a function to run. The function call itself evaluates to the function's return value.The code `total = add(5, 3)` is a function call. The expression `add(5, 3)` will be replaced by its return va...

The `return` Keyword Syntax def function_name(parameters): # code to calculate result return result Inside a function definition, use the `return` keyword followed by the variable or value you want to send back. This is the standard way to output data from a function. The 'Exit' Rule Code inside a function stops executing once a `return` statement is reached. Think of `return` as the function's grand finale. Any code written inside the function after the `return` line will be ignored and will not run. The 'Capture' Pattern variable_name = function_name(arguments) To use a return value, you must 'catch' it. The most common way is to assign the function call to a variable. The variable will then hold the value that the functio...