How Does Python's `return` Statement Differ from `print()`?

Return Statement: Beyond Printing

In programming, data manipulation is crucial, and the return statement plays a key role in controlling the flow of values. While the print() function prints information to the console, the return statement exits the current function and passes back a specific value to its caller.

Functionality of return

The return statement concludes the execution of a function and allows you to transfer a specific result back to the calling code. It specifies the value that the function will provide to its caller. By returning a value, functions can share calculated data or assist in further processing.

Difference from print()

Unlike print(), which displays data on the console without affecting the flow of execution, return terminates the function and sends the specified value back to its caller. The calling code can access and use the returned value for subsequent operations or calculations.

Example Usage

Consider this function that employs both print() and return:

When this function is called:

The output will be:

print() displays intermediate information, while return returns a value that can be used by the calling code.

Conclusion

The return statement is a critical tool in programming that enables functions to pass data back to their callers, unlike print(), which simply displays information on the console. Understanding the distinction between these statements ensures proper function design and flexibility in data manipulation.

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