ApexDelight

Raise vs Return Python: What is Difference?

• apexdelight
• March 20, 2025March 20, 2025
• 0

Both raise and return are used to control the flow of a Python function, but they serve different purposes.

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1️⃣ raise (Exception Handling)

• Used to trigger an exception.
• It stops function execution immediately.
• Mainly used for error handling.

Example:

def divide(a, b):
    if b == 0:
        raise ValueError("Cannot divide by zero!")  # Raises an exception
    return a / b

print(divide(10, 2))  # Output: 5.0
print(divide(10, 0))  # Raises ValueError

👉 When b == 0, it throws an error (ValueError), stopping the function.

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2️⃣ return (Function Output)

• Used to send a value back from a function.
• It does not stop program execution but exits the function.
• The function caller receives the returned value.

Example:

def add(a, b):
    return a + b  # Returns the sum

result = add(5, 3)
print(result)  # Output: 8

👉 return exits the function and passes the computed value (8) to result.

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🔑 Key Differences

Feature	raise	return
Purpose	Raises an exception (error)	Returns a value from a function
Stops Execution?	Yes, with an error	Yes, but normally
Used For	Error handling	Sending output from a function
Function Behavior	Terminates with an exception	Exits with a return value

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✅ When to Use?

• Use raise when an error condition occurs and you need to stop execution.
• Use return to provide a computed result from a function.

Let me know if you need more clarification! 🚀