Returning from a Function

The return() Function

Let’s take an example: finding the maximum number between two numbers.

maxNumber <- function(myNumber1, myNumber2) 
{
  if(myNumber1 > myNumber2)
  {
    print(myNumber1)
  } else
  {
    print(myNumber2)
  }
}

Here, we are printing the maximum number. Now, suppose instead of printing the maximum number our program needs to perform some task with the maximum number. Therefore, instead of printing, we want the function maxNumber to give us the number, i.e., return the maximum number so that we can use it.

This is where the function return() comes in handy.

Syntax of return() Function

return(expression)

The value returned from a function can be any valid object.

We can simply return the maximum number and the program calling the function can receive it.