Python Coding challenge - Day 221 | What is the output of the following Python Code?

 

Code:

def foo():

    try:

        return 1

    finally:

        return 2

print(foo())

Solution and Explanation:

The code defines a function foo that contains a try block and a finally block, and then prints the result of calling this function. Here's a step-by-step explanation:

Function Definition: 

def foo():

This line defines the function foo.

Try Block:

try: return 1

Inside the try block, the function attempts to return the value 1.

Finally Block:

finally:

    return 2

The finally block is guaranteed to execute, regardless of what happens in the try block. In this case, the finally block contains a return statement that returns the value 2.

Calling the Function and Printing the Result:

print(foo())

1. This line calls the foo function and prints its return value.

What Happens When the Function is Called:

• When foo is called, it enters the try block and executes return 1.
• Normally, return 1 would cause the function to exit immediately, returning 1. However, because there is a finally block, Python executes the finally block before the function completes.
• The finally block contains return 2. This statement overrides the previous return 1, so the function returns 2 instead.

Conclusion:

The finally block in Python always gets executed, and if it contains a return statement, it will override any return value from the try block. Therefore, the output of print(foo()) will be 2.

def foo(): try: return 1 finally: return 2 print(foo()) # This will output: 2