Return Value

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A return value is the result that a function sends back after it finishes executing.

It allows a function to produce an output that can be used elsewhere in the program.

Why return values are important

Without a return value, a function only performs an action.

With a return value, a function can:

Produce results
Perform calculations
Pass data to other parts of the program
Be used inside expressions

Return values make functions powerful and useful.

How return works

A function uses the return keyword to send a value back.

Example:

function add(a, b) { return a + b }

When the function is called:

result = add(5, 3)

The function returns 8, and result stores that value.

What happens after return

When a function reaches a return statement:

It immediately stops executing
It sends the value back
The function ends

Any code written after return inside the function will not run.

Functions without return

Some functions do not return a value.

Example:

function greet() { print("Hello") }

This function performs an action but does not return data.

Why learning return values matters

Return values help you:

Chain functions together
Store results in variables
Build complex calculations
Write clean and modular code

Most real programs depend heavily on returned values.

Simple example

Think of a vending machine: You insert money and select an item. The machine processes the input and returns a product. That product is the return value.

Related terms

Source

Simplified from general programming documentation and Wikipedia.

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