The alternative method is using an if statement. Why should you consider using early returns? Let’s see why you should prefer this approach. Instead of storing the value in a variable at each if statement, the function returns the value as soon as the output is ready. public String EarlyReturnFunction(String username, int userID) Also, check out the following method that needs a return value that returns at three points. The above function returns early at two points and proceeds with the execution only if those two conditions are satisfied. You can declare an early return using if statements that check if it violates any condition and declare a return or throw exceptions to terminate the function execution. Early returning terminates the function as soon as any deviation occurs to the function’s desired output. What is an early return?Ī function usually returns or produces the desired output at the end of it after completing all the required processing. It can also make it difficult to debug code.Įarly returns make code easier to understand and work with.

That’s because saving a single return statement can make code confusing and difficult to read.

Should I return from a function early or use an if statement?Īs a general rule, the function should generally have multiple return statements. Where did the mantra of single return come from?.Why should you consider using early returns?.Should I return from a function early or use an if statement?.

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