Python function return nothing

There is no such thing as “returning nothing” in the Python function. If no explicit return statement is used, Python treats it as returning None.

def f(x):
    if x>1:
       return(x)
    else:
        # don't return anything

To literally return ‘nothing’ use pass, which basically returns the value None if put in a function(Functions must return a value, so why not ‘nothing’). You can do this explicitly and return None yourself though.

Python function returns nothing

Simple example code.

def f(x):
    if x > 1:
        return x
    else:
        pass


print(f(0))

or

def f(x):
    if x > 1:
        return x
    else:
        print("Function Return literally nothing")
        None


print(f(0))

Output:

Python Function Return None Without Return Statement

The function does not have a return statement. The function in that case implicitly returns None.

def func():
    pass


print(func())

Output: None

Do comment if you have any doubts or suggestions on this Python return topic.

Note: IDE: PyCharm 2021.3.3 (Community Edition)

Windows 10

Python 3.10.1

All Python Examples are in Python 3, so Maybe its different from python 2 or upgraded versions.

Rohit

Degree in Computer Science and Engineer: App Developer and has multiple Programming languages experience. Enthusiasm for technology & like learning technical.