A Python function returns None if there is no return statement or if the return statement does not specify a value. Ensure your function has a return statement that outputs the expected value when it is called.

Encountering a situation where a Python function returns None can be confusing, especially when you expect it to provide a specific output. The primary reason for a function returning None is the absence of an explicit return statement or the presence of a return statement without a value. In Python, if a function is defined without a return statement, it automatically returns None. For example, if you have a function that performs calculations but does not return the result, invoking that function will yield None. To resolve this issue, ensure that your function includes a return statement that specifies the value you want to return. If your function performs multiple actions, you may have conditional paths that lead to different outcomes; be mindful that all paths should ultimately culminate in a return statement. Furthermore, debugging your function by adding print statements or using a debugger can help you trace the control flow and verify where the return statement is executed. By making these adjustments, you can ensure your function returns the desired output and behaves as intended.