Returverdier

Returverdier are values produced by a function, method, or procedure after it finishes executing. They represent the primary outcome of a computation and are used by the caller to proceed or make decisions. Return values are distinct from input parameters and from side effects such as modifying global state or performing I/O.

In statically typed languages, the return type is part of a function’s signature and must be declared. In dynamically typed languages, the value’s type is determined at run time. A function can return a value, return nothing (void), or in some languages return multiple values or a composite value (such as a tuple or record). Many languages support nullable return values, requiring callers to handle potential absence.

Design and usage guidelines include keeping return values meaningful and well documented. It is common to encode success or failure in the return value (for example, via error codes, booleans, or result/option types) rather than via exceptions, though many languages use exceptions for error handling. Some languages provide explicit constructs to represent a value that may fail (Option/Maybe, Result), which helps callers handle both success and error cases.

Best practices involve maintaining a clear return contract, avoiding hidden side effects, and choosing a consistent convention for errors. Unit tests often verify return values to ensure correct behavior.

Examples: in C, a function returns a value via return; in Java, methods declare a return type; in Python, a function returns whatever value is produced by return. See also API design, error handling, and type systems.