What is the result of executing a function with a return statement?

When a function with a return statement is executed, the function's execution halts, and control is returned to the point where the function was called, along with the specified value. This is fundamental to how functions operate in Python and many programming languages.

When a return statement is encountered in the code, it serves a dual purpose: it not only ceases the current function's execution but also sends back a value, which can be used or assigned by the caller. This mechanism allows functions to produce outputs that can be utilized further in the program, such as storing the returned value in a variable, performing calculations, or passing data to other functions.

In contrast, other options describe behaviors that do not accurately reflect how return statements work. For instance, the notion of a function continuing to execute indefinitely after a return statement contradicts the very purpose of return, as it signals the end of execution. Similarly, just printing a value to the console does not involve returning it; the function would be responsible for outputting the value directly rather than handing it back. Lastly, storing the output in a global variable is not a standard behavior of return statements, as the value is typically returned to the local scope where the function was invoked, not automatically placed into a global