Defined function keeps returning None, despite having a print() specified within the return line

Question

import textwrap
def wrap(string, max_width):
    i = textwrap.wrap(string, width=max_width)
    print(i)
    z = print(*i, sep='\n')
    return z

string, max_width = 'ABCFSAODJIUOHFWRQIOJAJ', 4 
result = wrap(string, max_width) 
print(result)

I am trying to write a code that separates a string in a list, and then prints out each part of the list as a separate line. It works fine until the last bit, where it still attaches None after running the code. I have tried all sorts of ways, but I cannot seem to force my definition to avoid the None.

`z = print(*i, sep='\n')` , this will make `z` always `None` and that's what you are returning — Iron Fist, Jan 24 '21 at 21:49
try `print(print("hi"))` -- you'll understand what's happening i think — Chris_Rands, Jan 24 '21 at 21:50
The `print` function *displays* the content, but *returns* `None`. — Serge Ballesta, Jan 24 '21 at 21:50
Okay you guys helped me out a lot. Understood my idiotic mistake. How can I give points and mark as answered? — Complete Idiot, Jan 24 '21 at 21:52
Also was worried about posting here, reddit made it seem like I will be burned at a stake for asking such a question. Very nice community afterall! — Complete Idiot, Jan 24 '21 at 21:53
Mureinik's answer can be voted on/accepted. And ya, Reddit loves to beat that horse. — Carcigenicate, Jan 24 '21 at 21:54
Does this answer your question? [How is returning the output of a function different from printing it?](https://stackoverflow.com/questions/750136/how-is-returning-the-output-of-a-function-different-from-printing-it) — mkrieger1, Jan 24 '21 at 22:00

score 0 · Accepted Answer · answered Jan 24 '21 at 21:50

0

print returns None, and by returning it, your wrap function would also return None. It seems like you want to join i with a newline:

def wrap(string, max_width):
    i = textwrap.wrap(string, width=max_width)
    return '\n'.join(i)

answered Jan 24 '21 at 21:50

Mureinik

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score -1 · Answer 2 · answered Jan 24 '21 at 22:33

you can use the function without return , try this instead

def wrap(string, max_width):
   i = textwrap.wrap(string, width=max_width)
   print(i)
   print(*i, sep='\n')
   

string, max_width = 'ABCFSAODJIUOHFWRQIOJAJ', 4 
wrap(string, max_width)  ```

Defined function keeps returning None, despite having a print() specified within the return line

2 Answers2