JavaScript Return Statement

• The return statement is used to specify the value that a function should return.
• It also terminates the execution of the function, exiting it at the point where the return statement is encountered.

Syntax:

function functionName(parameter1, parameter2, /* ... */) {
  // Code to be executed

  return /* value to be returned */;
}

The return statement can be followed by an expression, variable, or value that represents the result of the function.

Why it is Used:

• Output from Functions: Specifies the value or result that the function should produce.
• Function Termination: Signals the end of the function's execution.

Example:

// Function Declaration with Return Statement
function addNumbers(a, b) {
  return a + b; // The function returns the sum of a and b
}

// Calling the Function and Using the Return Value
const sum = addNumbers(3, 7);
console.log('Sum:', sum); // Output: Sum: 10

Returning Multiple Values: While a function can only have one return statement, you can return multiple values using an object or an array.

// Function Returning an Object
function getUserInfo(name, age) {
  return {
    name: name,
    age: age,
  };
}

// Calling the Function and Using the Returned Object
const user = getUserInfo('Alice', 25);
console.log('User Info:', user); // Output: User Info: { name: 'Alice', age: 25 }

Returning Early: The return statement can be used to exit a function early, skipping the remaining code.

// Function with Early Return
function isPositive(number) {
  if (number > 0) {
    return true;
  } else {
    return false;
  }
}

// Calling the Function
console.log(isPositive(5)); // Output: true
console.log(isPositive(-2)); // Output: false

 

Summary

• The return statement is used to specify the value a function should return and to terminate the function's execution.
• Functions can only have one return statement, but it can return complex values like objects or arrays.
• Proper use of the return statement is crucial for functions that need to produce output or results in JavaScript.