Python return statement

Within Python, a return statement is used to conclude the execution of a function or method, passing a value back to the invoking code.

return x;

Here, x represents the return value.

It's important to note that return is exclusive to the confines of a function or method.

To bring this to life, let's look at an example.

Consider the function "add_two_numbers" defined in the following snippet:

1. def add_two_numbers(num1, num2):
2. total = num1 + num2
3. return total
4. # invoking code
5. risult = add_two_numbers(5, 3)
6. print(result)

Here, the function takes two parameters, sums them (5+3), and sends the result back using "return total".

This result (which is 8) gets assigned to the variable 'result', which is then printed.

8

If no return value is explicitly indicated, Python will hand back a None type object.

As I touched on earlier, the return keyword can also function without any specific value.

Let's dive into another example:

1. def print_message(message):
2. print(message)
3. return
4. # invoking code
5. print_message("Hello world!")

This function takes a parameter (message), assigns a string value to it ("Hello world!"), and prints it.

Hello world!

In this instance, the return command wraps up the function, giving control back to the invoking code without supplying a return value.