What is the difference between yield and return in Python?

What is the difference between yield and return in Python?

In Python, 'return' sends a value back to the caller and exits the function, while 'yield' produces a value and pauses the function, allowing it to resume later.

Can you give me an example of how yield works?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

def count_up_to(n):
    count = 1
    while count <= n:
        yield count
        count += 1

This function will yield numbers from 1 to n one at a time.

What happens if I use return instead of yield?

If you use 'return' instead of 'yield', the function will return a single value and terminate. You won't be able to iterate through multiple values.

When should I use yield instead of return?

Use 'yield' when you want to create a generator that produces a series of values over time, especially when dealing with large datasets.