Day 2: Assuming print() returns a value

 

🐍 Python Mistakes Everyone Makes ❌

Day 2: Assuming print() Returns a Value

One of the most common beginner mistakes in Python is thinking that print() returns a value.
It doesn’t—and this misunderstanding often leads to confusing bugs.

Let’s break it down simply.

---

❌ The Mistake

result = print("Hello")
print(result)

❓ What happens here?

• "Hello" is printed on the screen

• Then None is printed

Why? Because print() does not return anything.

---

❌ Why This Fails

The print() function is only used to display output on the screen.
It does not send any value back to be stored in a variable.

So this line:

result = print("Hello")

is actually the same as:

result = None

---

✅ The Correct Way

If you want to store a value, assign it directly to a variable and then print it.

message = "Hello"
print(message)

✔ The value is stored
✔ The value is displayed
✔ No confusion

---

🧠 Simple Rule to Remember

• print() → shows the value

• return → gives the value back

Example:

def greet():
    return "Hello"

msg = greet()
print(msg)

Here, return sends the value back, and print() simply displays it.

---

✅ Key Takeaway

Never expect print() to give you a value.
Use it only for displaying output, not for data storage or logic.