Return values in PHP

Introduction

Return values let a function send back a result after it finishes. This helps you reuse the result later in your program.

When you want a function to calculate and give back a number or text.

When you need to get a value from a function to use somewhere else.

When you want to check if a function worked and get a status.

When you want to keep your code organized by separating tasks into functions.

Syntax

PHP

<?php
function functionName() {
    // code
    return value;
}
?>

The return keyword sends a value back and stops the function.

After return, no code in the function runs.

Examples

This function adds two numbers and returns the sum.

PHP

<?php
function add($a, $b) {
    return $a + $b;
}
?>

This function returns a greeting string.

PHP

<?php
function greet() {
    return "Hello!";
}
?>

This function returns true if the number is even, otherwise false.

PHP

<?php
function isEven($num) {
    return $num % 2 === 0;
}
?>

Sample Program

This program defines a function to multiply two numbers and returns the result. Then it prints the result.

PHP

<?php
function multiply($x, $y) {
    return $x * $y;
}

$result = multiply(4, 5);
echo "4 times 5 is " . $result . "\n";
?>

Important Notes

Use return to send back any type of value: numbers, strings, booleans, or even arrays.

Once a function hits return, it stops running immediately.

Summary

Functions use return to send back results.

The returned value can be saved or used elsewhere.

Code after return inside a function does not run.