How to get the return value from a function in a class in Python?

The following code shows how to get return value from a function in a Python class. When a method in a class uses the return statement, you can capture and use that value by calling the method on a class instance.

Basic Example

Here's a simple class that demonstrates returning values from methods ?

class Score():
    def __init__(self):
        self.score = 0
        self.num_enemies = 5
        self.num_lives = 3

    def setScore(self, num):
        self.score = num
        
    def getScore(self):
        return self.score
        
    def getEnemies(self):
        return self.num_enemies
        
    def getLives(self):
        return self.num_lives

# Create an instance and use the methods
s = Score()
s.setScore(9)
print(s.getScore())
print(s.getEnemies())
print(s.getLives())

9
5
3

Storing Return Values

You can store the returned values in variables for later use ?

class Calculator:
    def add(self, a, b):
        return a + b
    
    def multiply(self, a, b):
        return a * b

calc = Calculator()

# Store return values in variables
sum_result = calc.add(10, 5)
product_result = calc.multiply(4, 3)

print(f"Sum: {sum_result}")
print(f"Product: {product_result}")

Sum: 15
Product: 12

Using Return Values Directly

Return values can be used directly in expressions or other function calls ?

class MathOperations:
    def square(self, x):
        return x ** 2
    
    def cube(self, x):
        return x ** 3

math_ops = MathOperations()

# Use return values directly in calculations
result = math_ops.square(5) + math_ops.cube(2)
print(f"5² + 2³ = {result}")

# Use in conditional statements
if math_ops.square(4) > 10:
    print("Square of 4 is greater than 10")

5² + 2³ = 33
Square of 4 is greater than 10

Conclusion

To get return values from class methods, simply call the method on an instance and either store the result in a variable or use it directly. The return statement in the method makes the value available to the caller.