What type of parameter returns a value from its parent's scope to the outside scope?

The type of parameter that returns a value from its parent's scope to the outside scope is an output parameter. Output parameters are designed specifically to transfer data back from a function or method to the caller. They allow a child scope (like a function or module) to send information back to its parent scope, thus enabling the parent to receive the result of an operation performed within the child.

This concept is vital in programming, as it allows for structured data management and enhances the modularity of code. By utilizing output parameters, developers can create functions that not only take in data (input parameters) but also return modified or new data, making the code reusable and easier to maintain.

Input parameters, on the other hand, are meant to pass information into a function or module, while local parameters are accessible only within the scope where they are defined, and reference parameters typically allow sharing of a variable's address rather than returning a value for the caller. Understanding the role of output parameters is essential for effective function design and implementation in OutSystems and other programming environments.