How to Get Value from One Function to Another in Python

In Python, getting value from one function to another is a common operation and an essential part of most programs. This operation is known as function calling where one function calls another function and uses its returned value. In this guide, we will detail how to perform this operation.

Defining functions in Python

Firstly, it is important to understand how to define functions in Python. A function is a block of reusable code that performs a certain action. Once you define a Python function, you can use it repeatedly in your code. The basic syntax for defining functions in Python is as follows:

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def function_name(parameters):
    # function body
    return result

Here, ‘def’ starts the function definition, followed by the function name and parentheses ( ( ) ). Any parameters or arguments should be placed within these parentheses. The function body begins on the next line and is indented. The ‘return’ keyword is used to return the result from a function.

Function Call

Now that we have defined our functions, it’s time to use them. We do that using a function call. We refer to the function using its name and provide the necessary arguments inside parentheses:

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function_name(parameters)

Getting Values from One Function to Another

On many occasions, you will need to get a value from one function and use it in another function. This can be done by ‘returning’ the value from a function which can be then used directly inside another function call. See the following example:

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def function1():
    return "Hello, "
 
def function2():
    return function1() + "world!"
 
print(function2())

This will output:

'Hello, world!'

In the above example, we are returning a string from a function1 and concatenating it with another string in function2 then printing the result.

The Full Code

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def function1():
    return "Hello, "
 
def function2():
    return function1() + "world!"
 
print(function2())

This tutorial has shown you how to get a value from one function to another in Python. Keep in mind that Python functions can return any type of data, not just strings. You can return numbers, lists, dictionaries, or any other type of data that Python supports.

Conclusion

Understanding how to get values from one function to another is a vital part of Python programming as it helps in structuring the code in a much clearer and more efficient way. Once you get accustomed to functions and their uses, you will notice a significant enhancement in your coding speed and logic-building ability.