Return 1 value to the function with multiple return values in golang

Question

I want to return just 1 value to the function with multiple return values. I tried this:

func myFunc() (int, int){
    return _, 3
}

But it didn't work and raised this error: cannot use _ as value

I already know that It's possible to receive one of the returned values.

Is there any way to return just 1 value?

Is there any way to return just 1 value? Plain and simple: No. — tkausl
– tkausl, Commented Oct 10, 2021 at 17:47
Could you elaborate why you would that? Why not remove one return value from signature of you're not using it? — Krzysztof Madejski
– Krzysztof Madejski, Commented Oct 11, 2021 at 15:14
I didn't know it's impossible, so I chose wrong algorithm that use both returned values. — Moj Taba
– Moj Taba, Commented Oct 13, 2021 at 18:26

icza · Accepted Answer · 2021-10-10 17:46:29Z

2

Use the zero value for the other return parameters:

func myFunc() (int, int){
    return 0, 3
}

If you use named result parameters, you may also do:

func myFunc() (x, y int){
    y = 3
    return
}

In this case x will also be the zero value of its type, 0 in case of int.

You could also write a helper function which adds a dummy return value, e.g.:

func myFunc() (int, int) {
    return extend(3)
}

func extend(i int) (int, int) {
    return 0, i
}

But personally I don't think it's worth it. Just return the zero value for "unused" return parameters.

answered Oct 10, 2021 at 17:46

icza

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1 Comment

Either one can change function signature, or, if this is an external contract, then the return value is lost likely used.