With Python, we can return multiple values at once. Obviously, most functions in Python return a single value, usually the result of the work done by that function. In this article, you’ll learn that you can return multiple values in Python too, and you don’t need a dictionary, list, or a data class to do so.
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Return multiple values with a tuple
All you need to do is list your values after the return statement, separated by commas. Here’s a runnable example of how to return multiple values and how to assign them to multiple variables at once:
What we are actually doing here is returning a tuple. We could have written return (first, last) as well, with the same effect. And if you’re wondering whether you can return more than two values this way: yes, you can!
The most obvious advantage of returning multiple values in Python using a tuple is that we can directly assign the result to multiple variables. It’s super clean and concise, just like Python was meant to be.
Alternative ways in Python to return multiple values
Using tuples to return multiple values in Python is alright for a limited number of values. It results in very readable, concise code because we can directly unpack them into clearly named variables.
However, once you get past 2 or 3 values, you should look into a data class to keep your code clean and readable. A data class is essentially a regular class annotated with @dataclass to give it some handy extra functionality.
If a data class is not an option because you’re running an older Python version, for example, you can also consider returning:
- a Python dictionary,
- a Python list,
- or a regular class (object).
What’s best depends on the kind of data you’re returning. If the data fits in a list nicely, use a list. In case the data has keys and values, use a dictionary. If your data is more complex, you might even need to put multiple lists inside a dictionary. Just remember, it will be cleaner to use a (data) class at some point.
Keep learning
- Learn all about Python tuples and Python dictionaries
- My introduction to functions
- More advanced Python function tricks in our Python functions deep dive
