Multiple Return Values

Functions often need to produce multiple related results. Python makes this natural by allowing functions to return multiple values at once. Python packages them into a tuple, which you can unpack into separate variables. This pattern is common throughout Python's standard library and professional codebases. Returning Multiple Values The return statement creates a tuple. You can unpack it immediately into separate variables (most common) or store the tuple for later access. Both approaches are valid; choose based on how you will use the values. Multiple Return Patterns Multiple return values are especially useful when computing related results that naturally belong together: Ignoring Some Return Values Success Status with Return A common pattern is returning a success indicator alongside t

About This Interactive Section

This section is part of the Functional Programming: Intermediate lesson on DataDriven, a free data engineering interview prep platform. Each section includes explanations, worked examples, and hands-on code challenges that execute in real time. SQL queries run against a live PostgreSQL database. Python runs in a sandboxed Docker container. Data modeling problems validate against interactive schema canvases. All content is framed around what data engineering interviewers actually test at companies like Meta, Google, Amazon, Netflix, Stripe, and Databricks.

How DataDriven Lessons Work

DataDriven combines four interview rounds (SQL, Python, Data Modeling, Pipeline Architecture) with adaptive difficulty and spaced repetition. Easy problems get harder as you improve. Weak concepts resurface until you master them. Your readiness score tracks progress across every topic interviewers test. Every lesson section ends with problems you solve by writing and running real code, not by picking multiple-choice answers.