Go functions can return multiple values natively, which is the idiomatic way to return both a result and an error. Named returns pre-declare result variables in the function signature.
Multiple return values are a first-class feature in Go, most commonly used for the (result, error) pattern. This makes error handling explicit and visible at every call site.
Named returns improve readability in short functions by documenting what each return value represents
Allow bare return statements — return without arguments uses the named variables
Can be used with defer to modify return values after the function body executes
Avoid in long functions — bare returns hide what is actually being returned and hurt readability
Named returns are especially useful for defer-based cleanup that modifies error return