Different results when using for loops in a function in python

Question

When I use a for loop outside a function, it gives me a result. But when I use a for loop inside a function, it gives me a different result. And I need to know why.

Example:

list_1=[1,2,3,4,5}

def add_list(list):
n=0
for i in list:
n=n+i
return(n)
print(add_list(list1))
>>>Result: '15'

n=0
for i in list1:
n=n+i
print(n)
>>>Result:
1
3
6
10
15

Answer 1

list_1=[1,2,3,4,5]

def add_list(list):
n=0
for i in list:
n=n+i
return(n)
# here return is OUT the for loop
# then return a single value of n

print(add_list(list_1))

####################

list_1=[1,2,3,4,5]
n=0
for i in list:
n=n+i
return(n)
# here return is within the for
# so each iteration
# return a value of n

Hope it helps you,
Be pacient and keep coding.

Answer 2

inside you use "return (n)" , while outside "print (n)" and it is in the loop "for". mind indention!

Answer 3

Thank you,
but even if I used indention like the following:
def add_list(list):
n=0
for i in list:
n=n+i
return(n)
print(add_list(list1))
>>>Result: '1'

and even if I replaced the "return" with "print", it won't differ. why so?

Answer 4

Your function computes the sum of the list elements whereas the other code snippet prints every intermediate result as well. The final sum (15) is the same for both, but your code is not!

Edit: If you take print(n) out of the for loop in the snippet it will also just print the final sum.