Lesson 4.3: Return a Result

A function can return a value to the code that called it. A returned value can be printed, stored in a variable, compared in a condition, or used in another expression.

Returning and printing are different. Print sends information to the output panel. Return sends one result back to the caller. A function can return a value even when it prints nothing.

When a return command runs, that call ends. Commands later in the same function body do not run. The caller receives the returned result and continues.

Guided practice

Define a function named double with a parameter named number. Return number * 2. In the main program, call double with 6 and store its result in answer. Print answer.

Predict the parameter value, returned value, and stored value before running. Then call the same function with 9.

Java methods use a declared return type. For example, a Java method returning a whole number may begin with int doubleValue(...). The block version prepares you to follow that same flow of data.

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