Returning Multiple Values in Python

In Python, a function can return more than one value at a time using commas. These values are usually returned as a tuple. This is useful when a function needs to give back several related results together.

Lets explore different ways to do it.

Using Tuple

Tuple is a group of values separated by commas. Python automatically packs the values into a tuple, which can then be unpacked into variables.

def fun():
    return "geeksforgeeks", 20

s, x = fun()
print(s)
print(x)

geeksforgeeks
20

Explanation: fun() returns two values as a tuple, which are unpacked into s and x and then printed.

Using Data Class

Data class is a special type of class used to store multiple related values. It automatically creates useful methods like __init__() and __repr__(), so it's easy to create and return multiple values in a clean, readable way.

from dataclasses import dataclass

@dataclass
class Student:
    name: str
    marks: int

def get_student():
    return Student("Alice", 85)

student = get_student()
print(student.name)  
print(student.marks)  

Alice
85

Explanation: get_student() returns a Student dataclass object with multiple values, which can be accessed using dot notation like student.name and student.marks.

Using Dictionary

Dictionary stores data in key-value pairs. It can be used to return multiple values from a function by assigning each value a key, making the result easy to read and access.

def fun():
    d = {"str": "GeeksforGeeks", "x": 20}
    return d

d = fun()
print(d)

{'x': 20, 'str': 'GeeksforGeeks'}

Explanation: fun() creates a dictionary with two key-value pairs and returns it, which is then printed.

Using Object

An object created from a class can hold multiple values as attributes. A function can return an object to group and return several related values together.

class Info:
    def __init__(self):
        self.name = "Alice"
        self.age = 25

def get_info():
    return Info()

person = get_info()
print(person.name)
print(person.age)

Alice
25

Explanation:

• get_info() returns an object of the Info class containing two values name and age.
• values are accessed using dot notation person.name and person.age.

Using List

List is an ordered collection of items, created using square brackets []. A list can be used to return multiple values from a function, especially when the number of values is fixed.

def fun():
    l = ["geeksforgeeks", 20]
    return l

d = fun()
print(d)

['geeksforgeeks', 20]

Explanation: fun() returns a list with two values, which is stored in data and then printed.

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• python dictionary
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