There are some important differences between using the if-else structure in a function and returning a value after each condition and returning a value at the end of the function, depending on the business requirements and the logic of the code:
1. Execution path:
Return a value after each condition is evaluated: This means that the function will exit early and return a value based on different conditions. If the first condition is met, the function will not continue to execute subsequent conditional judgments or code, which can be used to optimize the code in advance to avoid unnecessary calculations or logic.
Return a value at the end of the function: Regardless of whether the condition is met, the function will execute all conditional judgments and code, and then return a value at the end of the function. This means that even if there is more logic in the code block after a certain condition is met, it will be executed, but in the end there will only be a return value.
2. Code readability:
Returning values after each condition makes the code more readable because they clearly indicate the impact of each condition. Such code structure helps other developers understand the code more easily.
Returning a value at the end of a function can lead to more complex code logic, because other developers need to carefully look at the entire execution path of the function to determine how the return value was calculated.
3. Error handling and resource release:
Returning a value after each condition is judged makes error handling and resource release more intuitive. If a condition triggers an error, you can handle it immediately in a conditional branch without having to wait until the end of the function. Likewise, you can promptly release unneeded resources in each conditional branch.
Returning a value at the end of a function may require more control structures to handle errors and resource release, which may increase code complexity.
To sum up, choosing where to return a value in a function depends on the business requirements and the logic of the code. Returning a value after each conditional evaluation is usually better for code readability and error handling, but in some cases, returning a value at the end of a function may be more appropriate, especially when you need to ensure that all the function's logic has been executed. When the result is returned after completion.