Use return value in another function - python

In Python, one function’s return value can be used in another, making code cleaner and more modular. This approach simplifies tasks, improves code reuse, and enhances readability. By breaking down logic into smaller functions that share data, you create flexible and maintainable programs. Let’s explore this with an example.

How It Works:

1. Function with a Return Value: A function calculates a result or performs an operation and returns the output using the return statement.
2. Pass the Return Value: Another function can use this returned value as an argument or input for further operations.
3. Combining Functions: This helps in chaining functions together to create a workflow or pipeline.

Here's an example :

# Function that calculates the square of a number
def square(number):
    return number ** 2
# Function that adds 10 to a number
def add_ten(number):
    return number + 10
# Use the return value of square in add_ten
result = add_ten(square(4))
print(result)  

26

Explanation:

1. square(4) calculates 42=164^2 = 1642=16 and returns 16.
2. add_ten(16) adds 10 to 16 and returns 26.

Example :

# Function to multiply two numbers
def multiply(x, y):
    return x * y
# Function to calculate the result of multiplying and then adding 5
def multiply_add(x, y):
    product = multiply(x, y)  # Using return value of multiply() here
    return product + 5
# Using multiply_and_add function
result = multiply_add(3, 4)  # Passes 3 and 4 to multiply_and_add
print(result)  

Final price: 84.00

Explanation:

• multiply(x, y): This function multiplies two numbers x and y and returns the product.
• multiply_add(x, y): This function first calls multiply(x, y) to get the product and then adds 5 to the result.
• We call multiply_add(3, 4), which uses the return value of multiply(3, 4) (which is 12), and then adds 5, resulting in 17.