Problem: How to return from a Python function or method in single line?
Example: Consider the following “goal” statement:
def f(x):
return None if x == 0However, this leads to a Syntax error:
In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to write the return statement with an if expression in a single line of Python code. You can get an overview of the three methods in the interactive code shell:
Exercise: The code has no output. Print the results of all three function executions for a given x. Is it always the same?
Let’s dive into the three methods.
Table of Contents
Method 1: As a Multi-Liner
The following method is the standard and most Pythonic way to accomplish this but using multiple lines:
def f(x):
if x==0:
return NoneBut how to write this as a one-liner?
Method 2: Direct One-Liner If
Nothing simpler than that—just write it into a single line!
def f(x):
if x==0: return None
I should note that PEP 8 is actually fine with writing if block statements into a single line. Nevertheless, the default return value of a function is None so the code does really nothing.
Method 3: Ternary Operator
If you look for something more Pythonic, you can check out the ternary operator (also called “conditional expression”):
def f(x):
return None if x==0 else 42
In this case, you also have to define a return value for the value 42. You should read the statement like this:
return (None if x == 0 else 42)
The statement inside the parentheses returns either None or 42—depending on the condition x == 0. If it is True, the value None is returned. If it is False, the value 42 is returned.
Where to Go From Here?
Enough theory, let’s get some practice!
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While working as a researcher in distributed systems, Dr. Christian Mayer found his love for teaching computer science students.
To help students reach higher levels of Python success, he founded the programming education website Finxter.com. He’s author of the popular programming book Python One-Liners (NoStarch 2020), coauthor of the Coffee Break Python series of self-published books, computer science enthusiast, freelancer, and owner of one of the top 10 largest Python blogs worldwide.
His passions are writing, reading, and coding. But his greatest passion is to serve aspiring coders through Finxter and help them to boost their skills. You can join his free email academy here.