# Returning values from a function

Use the `return` action to return values from functions. The `return` action stops the function and replaces it with the value of the `return` action. If Flash doesn't encounter a `return` action before the end of a function, an empty string is returned. For example, the following function returns the square of the parameter `x`:

    function sqr(x) {
    	return x * x;
    }

Some functions perform a series of tasks without returning a value. For example, the following function initializes a series of global variables:

    function initialize() {
    	boat_x = _root.boat._x;
    	boat_y = _root.boat._y;
    	car_x = _root.car._x;
    	car_y = _root.car._y;
    }