Return Type

Definitions

1. The type annotation on a function or method that declares what kind of value it will produce when it finishes executing. In statically typed languages the compiler enforces that the function's actual return value matches the declared type; in TypeScript or Python type hints, tooling checks it but enforcement is optional.

   In plain English: The declared kind of value that a function gives back when it finishes, like promising 'this function will always return a number.'

   Example: "The return type is Promise<User[]>, so callers know they're getting an async array of User objects, not a raw JSON blob."

Related Terms

• Method
• Operator
• Parameter Passing
• Return Value
• Shorthands
• Syntax
• Async Function
• Callback
• Callback Function