What is the value returned by a computer after a function completes?

Prepare for the PLTW Computer Science Essentials Test. Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice questions, complete with hints and detailed explanations. Master your exam preparations today!

A function in programming is a block of code that performs a specific task and can return a value after it finishes executing. The term used to describe the value that is sent back to the part of the program that called the function is known as the return value. This is a crucial concept in programming because it allows functions to provide results that can be used in further computations or can influence the program's flow. The return value can be of various data types, including numbers, strings, or even complex objects, depending on what the function is designed to do.

The other terms, while they might be used informally or contextually in some discussions, do not accurately represent the standard terminology used in programming regarding functions. For instance, "output value" might imply the information displayed to the user rather than what the function returns to the calling code. "Result value" and "final value" are also not standard terms within the context of programming functions, leading to potential confusion. Therefore, the most accurate and widely accepted term is return value, making it the correct answer for the question.

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