> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://python4ai.codewithsiva.dev/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Return values

> Get results back from your functions

## Getting results from functions

So far, our functions have printed output. But often you want functions to calculate something and give you the result to use elsewhere.

```python theme={null}
# This function only prints
def add_print(a, b):
    print(a + b)

# This function returns a value
def add_return(a, b):
    return a + b

# Now you can use the result
result = add_return(5, 3)
print(f"The result is {result}")  # The result is 8
```

## The return statement

Use `return` to send a value back from a function:

```python theme={null}
def calculate_area(width, height):
    area = width * height
    return area

# Store the returned value
room_area = calculate_area(10, 12)
print(f"Room size: {room_area} sq ft")  # Room size: 120 sq ft
```

<Note>
  When Python hits a `return` statement, it immediately exits the function. Any code after `return` won't run.
</Note>

## Using returned values

Returned values can be used in many ways:

```python theme={null}
def double(number):
    return number * 2

# Store in variable
result = double(5)

# Use in expressions
total = double(5) + double(3)  # 10 + 6 = 16

# Pass to other functions
print(double(10))  # 20

# Use in conditions
if double(7) > 10:
    print("Big number!")
```

## Returning multiple values

Python can return multiple values as a tuple:

```python theme={null}
def get_min_max(numbers):
    return min(numbers), max(numbers)

# Get both values
minimum, maximum = get_min_max([5, 2, 8, 1, 9])
print(f"Min: {minimum}, Max: {maximum}")  # Min: 1, Max: 9

# Or as a tuple
result = get_min_max([5, 2, 8, 1, 9])
print(result)  # (1, 9)
```

## Return vs print

Understanding the difference is crucial:

```python theme={null}
def get_greeting_print(name):
    print(f"Hello, {name}!")  # Just displays

def get_greeting_return(name):
    return f"Hello, {name}!"  # Gives back value

# Can't use print version's output
message = get_greeting_print("Alice")  # Prints but returns None
print(message)  # None

# Can use return version's output
message = get_greeting_return("Alice")  # Returns the string
print(message.upper())  # HELLO, ALICE!
```

<Tip>
  Use `return` when you need to use the result elsewhere. Use `print` when you just want to display information.
</Tip>

## Functions without return

Functions without explicit `return` statements return `None`:

```python theme={null}
def greet(name):
    print(f"Hello, {name}!")
    # No return statement

result = greet("Alice")  # Prints: Hello, Alice!
print(result)  # None
```

## Common mistakes

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Forgetting to return">
    ```python theme={null}
    # Wrong - calculates but doesn't return
    def calculate_total(items):
        total = sum(items)
        # Forgot return!

    # Right
    def calculate_total(items):
        total = sum(items)
        return total
    ```
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Code after return">
    ```python theme={null}
    # Wrong - code after return never runs
    def get_status():
        return "Done"
        print("This never prints!")  # Unreachable

    # Right - return last
    def get_status():
        print("Checking status...")
        return "Done"
    ```
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Printing instead of returning">
    ```python theme={null}
    # Wrong - prints instead of returning
    def multiply(a, b):
        print(a * b)

    result = multiply(3, 4)  # Prints 12
    total = result + 10      # Error! result is None

    # Right - return the value
    def multiply(a, b):
        return a * b
    ```
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## What's next?

Now that you know functions, let's learn how to use external libraries and APIs to extend Python's capabilities!

<Card title="External tools" icon="arrow-right" href="/libraries-apis/index">
  Use libraries and APIs
</Card>