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# Working with Return Values and Output Arguments

This section explains what to expect when working with return values and output arguments (sometimes called output parameters), specifically when the language you are using does not support output arguments or when the Softimage function (command or property) both returns a value and uses an output argument.

Note that this is largely a scripting/object model issue, since the C++ API provides a separate mechanism for calling commands (see Calling Commands from C++). However, there are still some aspects of accessing output arguments and return values in the C++ API that require some explanation.

Important

Each language behaves slightly differently with respect to the level of support for commands vs. methods, output arguments vs. ISIVTCollections. For a breakdown by language, see Output Argument Support by Language.

#### Topics in this section

- What is a Return Value?
- What is an Output Argument?
- Output Argument Support by Language
- What is an ISIVTCollection?
- What Happens when the Function Already Returns a Value?
- Examples of Handling Return Values and Output Arguments