Better Java method Syntax? Return early or late? [closed]
- by Gandalf
Duplicate: Should a function have only one return statement? and Single return or multiple return statements?
Often times you might have a method that checks numerous conditions and returns a status (lets say boolean for now). Is it better to define a flag, set it during the method, and return it at the end :
boolean validate(DomainObject o) {
boolean valid = false;
if (o.property == x) {
valid = true;
} else if (o.property2 == y) {
valid = true;
} ...
return valid;
}
or is it better/more correct to simply return once you know the method's outcome?
boolean validate(DomainObject o) {
if (o.property == x) {
return true;
} else if (o.property2 == y) {
return true;
} ...
return false;
}
Now obviously there could be try/catch blocks and all other kinds of conditions, but I think the concept is clear. Opinions?
