In C++, what is the purpose of the return statement in a function?

The return statement in a C++ function plays a crucial role by sending a value back to the caller of the function. When a function is defined to return a specific data type, the return statement is used to specify what value should be provided upon the function's completion. This allows the function to communicate results or processed data back to whatever part of the code called it, enabling the use of that result for further computations or logic.

For example, consider a function that calculates the square of a number. The function will compute the square and use the return statement to send that value back to the code that invoked the function. This interaction is fundamental for modular programming, where functions can encapsulate behavior and calculations, allowing them to be reused and combined effectively throughout the program.

Additionally, the return statement can also indicate the end of the function's execution, and if the function has a return type that is not void, it must have a return statement that adheres to that type to ensure proper functionality and type safety.