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return vs print() in Python: What's the Difference?

return doesn't print anything — deliver() is where a returned value actually goes.

  • Lesson 3 of 5
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  • Ages 10+
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The dragon explains

return hands a value back

  1. The dragon: Every function you've written so far printed its own output. return is different — it hands a value BACK, silently.

  2. The dragon: def compute_damage(): return 10 — calling compute_damage() does NOT print 10. It gives you 10 back, to use however you want.

    example.pyPython 3
    def compute_damage():    return 10

  3. The dragon: That's why print() and return can look confusingly similar, but aren't. print() shows something. return HANDS SOMETHING BACK for your code to use next.

  4. The dragon: deliver(value) is a new ability — it actually SENDS a value somewhere, using whatever a function returned.

    example.pyPython 3
    deliver(compute_damage())

  5. The dragon: And calling a function is never a one-way trip — once it returns, your code keeps going with the very next line, same as always.

Quick check

Check your understanding

Say your answer out loud before reading the marked one. Every wrong option is a mistake real beginners make.

  1. Question 1 of 2

    def compute_damage(): return 10 — with NO print() anywhere inside it. Does calling compute_damage() show anything on its own?

    question.pyPython 3
    def compute_damage():    return 10compute_damage()
    • No — return hands the value back silently, it doesn't display itCorrect
    • Yes — 10 prints automatically, since that's what got returned

    Why: No — nothing shows. return only hands the value back; something else (print() or deliver()) has to actually show or use it.

  2. Question 2 of 2

    deliver(compute_damage()), then print("DONE") on the next line. Does "DONE" still print?

    question.pyPython 3
    deliver(compute_damage())print("DONE")
    • Yes — the function call finishes and your code carries on to the next lineCorrect
    • No — calling compute_damage() jumps away and "DONE" never runs

    Why: Yes, DONE still prints. A function call finishes and returns, then your code carries on with the next line — exactly like any other instruction.

In the game

What you'll practice

Three levels in the game: one guided first try with the shape of the answer already there, then two to solve on your own.

  1. 1

    GuidedYour first try

    def compute_damage(): return 10 — this ability hands back a number instead of printing anything itself. Deliver that returned value to the battle log with deliver(compute_damage()).

  2. +2

    PracticeTwo more, on your own

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