return

Ends function execution and optionally specifies a value to return.

Since ES1 Spec ↗

Syntax

return;
return expression;

Returns

any — The value of `expression`, or `undefined` if no expression is given.

Examples

function double(n) {
  return n * 2;
}
console.log(double(8));
Output
16
function early(x) {
  if (x < 0) return "negative";
  return "non-negative";
}
console.log(early(-1));
Output
negative
function noValue() {
  return;
}
console.log(noValue());
Output
undefined

Notes

- Automatic semicolon insertion can break `return` if the expression starts on the next line; keep the value on the same line as `return`. - `return` is only valid inside a function body.

Browser & runtime support

EnvironmentSince version
chrome 1.0
firefox 1.0
safari 1.0
edge 12
node 0.10

See also