Multiple return values in Python - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What does it mean when a Python function returns multiple values?

It means the function sends back more than one piece of information at once, usually as a tuple, so you can use them separately.

beginner

How do you capture multiple return values from a function in Python?

You can assign the returned values to multiple variables separated by commas, like: a, b = my_function()

beginner

What type does Python use to hold multiple return values by default?

Python uses a tuple to hold multiple return values by default.

beginner

Can a Python function return different types of values together? For example, a number and a string?

Yes, Python functions can return different types together, like a number and a string, because tuples can hold mixed types.

intermediate

What happens if you try to assign multiple return values to fewer variables than returned?

Python will raise a ValueError because the number of variables does not match the number of returned values.

What does a Python function return when you write: return 1, 2, 3?

A An error because multiple values are not allowed

B A list containing [1, 2, 3]

C Three separate values returned one by one

D A tuple containing (1, 2, 3)

Python automatically packs multiple return values into a tuple.

How do you receive multiple return values from a function?

A Assign them to multiple variables separated by commas

B Use a single variable only

C Use a list to capture them

D You cannot receive multiple return values

You assign multiple variables separated by commas to capture each returned value.

What error occurs if you assign two variables to a function returning three values?

A ValueError

B TypeError

C SyntaxError

D No error

Python raises a ValueError when the number of variables does not match the number of returned values.

Can a function return a string and an integer together?

A Only if converted to integer

B Yes, as a tuple

C Only if converted to string

D No, only same types allowed

Python tuples can hold mixed data types, so a string and integer can be returned together.

What is the default container type for multiple return values in Python?

A Dictionary

B List

C Tuple

D Set

Python packs multiple return values into a tuple by default.

Explain how Python functions can return multiple values and how you can use them.

Think about how you get more than one answer from a function.

Describe what happens if the number of variables on the left does not match the number of returned values from a function.

Consider what Python expects when unpacking values.