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.

Related Articles:

• python tuple
• oops programming in python
• python dictionary
• python list