What is the purpose of the 'return' keyword in functions?

The purpose of the 'return' keyword in functions is to exit the function and return a value to the caller. When a function is executed, it may perform certain operations, calculations, or manipulations before concluding its process. The 'return' keyword serves as a signal to end the function's execution and send back a value or result that can be used elsewhere in the program. This is crucial for building modular and reusable code, as it allows the output of a function to be utilized in different contexts, such as assignments, conditional statements, or other functions.

By providing a way to return values, 'return' enhances the functionality of functions in programming, enabling developers to construct more complex algorithms and calculations effectively.