Inspectopedia
 
2024.3

Method with multiple return points

Warning
New
Last modified: 03 December 2024

Reports methods whose number of return points exceeds the specified maximum. Methods with too many return points may be confusing and hard to refactor.

A return point is either a return statement or a falling through the bottom of a void method or constructor.

Example:

The method below is reported if only two return statements are allowed:

Consider rewriting the method so it becomes easier to understand:

Configure the inspection:

  • Use the Return point limit field to specify the maximum allowed number of return points for a method.

  • Use the Ignore guard clauses option to ignore guard clauses. A guard clause is an if statement that contains only a return statement

  • Use the Ignore for 'equals()' methods option to ignore return points inside equals() methods.