Welcome to the Treehouse Community

Want to collaborate on code errors? Have bugs you need feedback on? Looking for an extra set of eyes on your latest project? Get support with fellow developers, designers, and programmers of all backgrounds and skill levels here with the Treehouse Community! While you're at it, check out some resources Treehouse students have shared here.

Looking to learn something new?

Treehouse offers a seven day free trial for new students. Get access to thousands of hours of content and join thousands of Treehouse students and alumni in the community today.

Start your free trial

Python Python Basics Functions and Looping Create a Function

Posted by Zahkyi Ferguson
Zahkyi Ferguson
504 Points

why am I receiving a Syntax error?

squaring.py 
def square(number):
    original_number = input("Pick a number  ")
    squared_number = original_number * original_number 
return squared_number

2 Answers

Steven Parker
Steven Parker
231,269 Points
Steven Parker
Steven Parker
231,269 Points

The complete challenge message is "Bummer: SyntaxError: 'return' outside function"

By "'return' outside function", it's pointing out that the "return" statement is not indented, which means it is not part of the function — and syntax rules say a "return" is only allowed inside a function.

Also:

  • the instructions don't ask you to "input" anything, so line 2 isn't needed
  • the formula needs to make use of the parameter
Zahkyi Ferguson
Zahkyi Ferguson
504 Points
Zahkyi Ferguson
Zahkyi Ferguson
504 Points

Thank you! I was overthinking it.