Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Output refers to the result or value produced by a program or function after it has been executed. It can be displayed on the screen, stored in memory, or used as input for further operations.
Related terms
Input: Input refers to data provided to a program or function before it runs. It can come from various sources such as user input, files, sensors, etc., and serves as information for the program to process and produce an output.
Standard Output: Standard output (stdout) is the default destination for a program's output. It typically refers to the text that appears on the screen or console when a program is executed.
Return Value: In programming, a return value is the result that a function gives back after it has been called. It allows functions to provide information or data to other parts of the program.