When running the following code (in Python 2.7.1 on a mac with Mac OS X 10.7)
while True:
return False
I get the following error
SyntaxError: 'return' outside function
I've carefully checked for errant tabs and/or spaces. I can confirm that the code fails with the above error when I use the recommended 4 spaces of indentation. This behavior also happens when the return is placed inside of other control statements (e.g. if, for, etc.).
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
4 Answers
The return statement only makes sense inside functions:
def foo():
while True:
return False
Use quit() in this context. break expects to be inside a loop, and return expects to be inside a function.
To break a loop, use break instead of return.
Or put the loop or control construct into a function, only functions can return values.
