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Last Updated: Jul 1, 2023
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Syntax Error: Return Outside Function in Python

Introduction

For a long time,Python has been a very well-liked programming language. This is primarily because of its adaptability and simple syntax. Python can be used in almost any area of software development. 

We are assuming that you must have written some amazing codes in python. But, have you ever encountered an Indentation error in your code? 

python

This article will guide you through the syntaxerror return outside function in python. Also, it will clear all your doubts regarding the same. 

So, let us start understanding the syntaxerror return outside function:

Also read, Floor Division in Python, and Convert String to List Python

SyntaxError Return Outside Function

Errors are problems that occur in a code because of an illegal operation performed by the user or a programming error that halts the normal flow of the program. Errors are also known as bugs or faults.

In Python programming, there are two types of errors. 

  1. Syntax Error 
  2. Logical Error 


In this article, we will be looking for SyntaxError Return Outside Function. 

So, what exactly are Syntax Errors in python? 

Also check out Python Square Root here.

Syntax Error

A syntax error is one of the most fundamental types of programming errors. The syntax error simply indicates that the Python parser is unable to understand a line of code. When we do not write the proper syntax of the Python programming language (or any other language), the Python interpreter throws a syntax error.

Let us take an example to find whether a number is even or odd: 

number = 89
if number&1 == 0
  print("Number is even")
else:
    print("Number is odd")


Output

output

As we have missed the colon: the python interpreter is throwing a syntax error of invalid syntax. 

Now, let us discuss the types of Syntax errors: 

  • putting a keyword in the wrong place
  • empty block
  • misspelling a keyword
  • missing or wrong brackets
  • Invalid Syntax 
  • leaving out a keyword
  • Return Outside Function 
  • incorrect indentation
  • leaving out a symbol, such as a comma, colon or brackets
     

As the name suggests, we are going to discuss SyntaxError Return Outside Function in python: 

Check out Escape Sequence in Python
 

SyntaxError Return Outside Function

This syntax error is simply an Indentation error; it occurs when the indent or return function does not align to the indent of the defined function.

Let us understand with an example: 

# Function to return the result of multiplication of two numbers
def func(a, b):
  # Print the value of a*b
  mul = a * b
return(mul)

# Print values in list
print('Multiplication: ', func(10, 34));


Output

output

You can compile it with online python compiler.

Explanation

output

How to correct this? 

Let us see: 

Corrected Code
 

# Function to return the result of multiplication of two numbers
def func(a, b):
  # Print the value of a*b
  mul = a * b
  return(mul)
# Print values in list
print('Multiplication: ', func(10, 34));


Output

output

Explanation

explanation

Check out this article - Quicksort Python.

Must Read Invalid Syntax in Python.

Frequently asked questions

How many types of errors are there in Python? 

There are two types of errors in Python programming: Syntax and Logical. 

What is the difference between Syntax and Logical Errors? 

Syntax errors occur when the syntax of the language is not followed. Semantic errors are errors caused by incorrect use of program statements. Logical errors are errors that occur when the specification is not followed.

What are Logical Errors?

When a program gives undesired output, one can say that logically the program is wrong. The error results in a logical error. 

Differentiate between Runtime and Compile Time errors. 

Compile-time errors are those that occur during the compilation process and are related to the semantics or syntax of the program. A runtime error  occurs during the execution of code at runtime. During code development, we can easily fix a compile-time error. A runtime error cannot be detected by a compiler.

What makes Python so popular?

Python is one of the most loved user-friendly programming languages available because of its simple syntax and emphasis on natural language.

Conclusion 

To wrap up the article, we have extensively discussed the SyntaxError Return Outside Function in python. 

After reading the article, do you feel more excited to read/explore more articles on Python? Don't worry; Coding Ninjas has you covered. See Exception & Errors in PythonShort-Circuiting in PythonLambda Function in Python, and File Handling in Python.

Recommended Readings:

Refer to our Guided Path on Coding Ninjas Studio to upskill yourself in Python programming language, Competitive ProgrammingJavaScriptSystem Design, and many more! If you want to test your competency in coding, check out the mock test series and participate in the contests hosted on Coding Ninjas Studio! But you have just started your learning process and are looking for questions from tech giants like Amazon, Microsoft, Uber, etc. In that case, you must look at the problems, interview experiences, and interview bundle for placement preparations.

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