Can two return statements occur in a function?

In programming, particularly in languages like Python, C, and Java, a function can indeed have multiple return statements. The primary function of a return statement is to terminate the function and send a value back to the caller. When the first return statement is executed, the function exits immediately, so additional return statements following it will not execute unless they are in separate branches of a control structure, such as an if-else statement.

Having multiple return statements can help structure the logic of a function more clearly, especially when different conditions need to be evaluated. Each return statement can provide a specific output based on certain conditions, improving readability and ensuring that the function accurately reflects the logic intended by the programmer.

For instance, a function might return one value if a condition is met and a different value if another condition is met. This allows functions to be more versatile and responsive to different input scenarios.

Understanding this concept is important for writing efficient and clear code, as it illustrates how functions can be designed to handle multiple scenarios effectively within a single function definition.