Python function returns multiple values | Example code

There are many ways to Python function return multiple values like using a comma but that is returned in the form of a tuple.

Other ways are using a tuple, list, and dictionary.

Example function return multiple values in Python

Simple example code.

Using comma

Python function returns multiple values by simply returning them separated by commas. This method return value in tuple.

def test():
    return 'abc', 100


print(test())

Output:

Using a tuple

This method is not recommended because without using tuple still, you will get a return in tuple formate.

def f(x):
    y0 = x + 1
    y1 = x * 3
    y2 = y0 ** y1
    return (y0, y1, y2)


print(f(1))

Output: (2, 3, 8)

Using a dictionary

With this method, you can keep track of the returned values using the keys.

def name():
    n1 = "ABC"
    n2 = "XYZ"

    return {1: n1, 2: n2}


print(name())

Output: {1: ‘ABC’, 2: ‘XYZ’}

Using a list

Using bracket [ ] returns list instead of tuple.

def test():
    return ['abc', 100]


print(test())

Output: [‘abc’, 100]

Using a class

class ReturnValue:
    def __init__(self, y0, y1, y2):
        self.y0 = y0
        self.y1 = y1
        self.y2 = y2


def g(x):
    y0 = x + 1
    y1 = x * 3
    y2 = y0 ** y1
    return ReturnValue(y0, y1, y2)

Using a dataclass (Python 3.7+)

from dataclasses import dataclass


@dataclass
class ReturnValue:
    y0: int
    y1: float
    y3: int


def total_cost(x):
    y0 = x + 1
    y1 = x * 3
    y2 = y0 ** y1
    return ReturnValue(y0, y1, y2)


print(total_cost(1))

Output: ReturnValue(y0=2, y1=3, y3=8)

Using Object

class Test:
    def __init__(self):
        self.str = "ABC"
        self.x = 10


def fun():
    return Test()


t = fun()
print(t.str)
print(t.x)

Output:

ABC
10

Do comment if you have any doubts and suggestions on this Python function code.

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.