PhpHow-ToBeginner · 3 min read

How to Return Value from Function in PHP: Simple Guide

In PHP, you use the return statement inside a function to send a value back to where the function was called. The syntax is return value;, which ends the function and outputs the specified value.

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Syntax

The return statement sends a value back from a function to the caller. It stops the function execution immediately and outputs the given value.

return: keyword to send value back
value: any data you want to return (number, string, array, etc.)
;: ends the statement

php

<?php
function exampleFunction() {
    return 42; // returns the number 42
}
?>

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Example

This example shows a function that returns the sum of two numbers. The returned value is stored in a variable and then printed.

php

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

$result = add(5, 7);
echo $result; // Outputs 12
?>

Output

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Common Pitfalls

One common mistake is forgetting the return statement, which causes the function to return NULL by default. Another is placing code after return, which will never run because return ends the function immediately.

php

<?php
// Wrong: no return, outputs nothing
function noReturn() {
    $a = 5 + 5;
}

// Right: returns the value
function withReturn() {
    $a = 5 + 5;
    return $a;
}

// Wrong: code after return never runs
function afterReturn() {
    return 10;
    echo 'This will not print';
}
?>

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Quick Reference

Concept	Description
return	Sends a value back and ends the function
return value;	Returns the specified value
No return	Function returns NULL by default
Code after return	Will not execute

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Key Takeaways

Use return to send a value back from a function in PHP.

The return statement ends the function immediately.

If you omit return, the function returns NULL by default.

Avoid placing code after return as it will never run.

Store the returned value in a variable to use it later.