How To Return Multiple Values in Python?

In Python, there are several ways to return multiple values from a function. Here are the most common methods:

1. Using a Tuple (Most Common)

You can return multiple values by grouping them in a tuple. This is the most common way:

def get_coordinates():
    x = 10
    y = 20
    return x, y

coordinates = get_coordinates()
print(coordinates)  # Output: (10, 20)

# You can also unpack the tuple into separate variables
x, y = get_coordinates()
print(x)  # Output: 10
print(y)  # Output: 20

2. Using a List

You can return multiple values as a list if you prefer a mutable collection:

def get_coordinates():
    x = 10
    y = 20
    return [x, y]

coordinates = get_coordinates()
print(coordinates)  # Output: [10, 20]

# You can also unpack the list into separate variables
x, y = get_coordinates()
print(x)  # Output: 10
print(y)  # Output: 20

3. Using a Dictionary

Returning a dictionary is useful when you want to return values with keys, making the return values more descriptive:

def get_coordinates():
    return {"x": 10, "y": 20}

coordinates = get_coordinates()
print(coordinates)  # Output: {'x': 10, 'y': 20}

# Access individual values by key
print(coordinates['x'])  # Output: 10
print(coordinates['y'])  # Output: 20

4. Using a Namedtuple

namedtuple provides a way to return multiple values with names, similar to a dictionary, but with the performance benefits of a tuple:

from collections import namedtuple

def get_coordinates():
    Coordinates = namedtuple('Coordinates', ['x', 'y'])
    return Coordinates(10, 20)

coordinates = get_coordinates()
print(coordinates)  # Output: Coordinates(x=10, y=20)

# Access individual values by name
print(coordinates.x)  # Output: 10
print(coordinates.y)  # Output: 20

5. Using a Custom Class

If you need more structure or want to return an object with methods, you can define a custom class:

class Coordinates:
    def __init__(self, x, y):
        self.x = x
        self.y = y

def get_coordinates():
    return Coordinates(10, 20)

coordinates = get_coordinates()
print(coordinates.x)  # Output: 10
print(coordinates.y)  # Output: 20

6. Returning Multiple Values Directly (Python 3.8+)

Starting from Python 3.8, you can use the "Walrus operator" (:=) in return statements:

def get_coordinates():
    return (x := 10), (y := 20)

x, y = get_coordinates()
print(x)  # Output: 10
print(y)  # Output: 20

These methods give you the flexibility to choose the best approach depending on your specific needs in the code.