How To Fix The Error “SyntaxError: Illegal return statement” in JavaScript?

Posted on by Tom Joseph
“SyntaxError: Illegal return statement” in JavaScript

“SyntaxError: Illegal return statement” in JavaScript is a syntax-related error. It describes that you are typing the command wrong or using the statement in the wrong place. Please read the following instructions to resolve it.

Why does JavaScript’s “SyntaxError: Illegal return statement” in JavaScript happen?

The most common reason for “SyntaxError: Illegal return statement” in Javascript is that you used the return statement incorrectly. As the error code describes, it’s a syntax-related error, indicating it’s a return statement. See the example below to better understand.

Here I have a very simple example: if the condition in the learn() function is true, then a corresponding message is sent. But if I leave the return statement out of the function, it throws an error like this:

var slogan = "LearnShareIT"

function learn() {
    if (slogan == "LearnShareIT") {        
        return "I am a developer!!";        
    }  
}

//returns in the wrong place
return "I am a student!!";

console.log(learn());

Output

main.js:173 Uncaught SyntaxError: Illegal return statement (at main.js:173:1)

Or if I am missing a curly brace, it still gives me the same error:

var slogan = "LearnShareIT"

function learn() //missing here{        
    return slogan;        
}

console.log(learn());

Output

Uncaught SyntaxError: Illegal return statement (at main.js:171:5)

Since a return statement follows the curly brace, it will still report an error.

To return an appropriate value to the function without causing an error, refer to the way below.

How to fix this error?

Use the correct command structure

Also the above example, I proceed to reset the position of the return command, and immediately it shows the result I want as follows:

var slogan = "LearnShareIT"

function learn() {
    if (slogan == "LearnShareIT") {        
        return "I am a developer!!";        
    }
  
//put the return command in the right place
    return "I am a student!!";
}

console.log(learn());

Output

I am a developer!!

For the missing function brackets, we need to add the correct syntax, and the code will run smoothly:

var slogan = "LearnShareIT"

function learn() {        
    return slogan;        
}

console.log(learn());

Output

LearnShareIT

Shorten the number of return statements

Too many return statements in a function will cause trouble for your code. Return is a command directly related to the computer’s memory. If you abuse it, you will get an error.

Example

var fruit = 'apple';

function learn() {
    if (fruit == 'apple') {
        return 'apple';
    } 
    else {
        return 'banana';
    }

//returns in the wrong place
    return 'orange';

//returns in the wrong place
}return 'melon';

Output

main.js:186 Uncaught SyntaxError: Illegal return statement (at main.js:186:2)

Using too many return statements will mess up the code and you might end up putting it in the wrong place, so shorten it like this:

var fruit = 'apple';

function choose() {
    if (fruit == 'apple') {
        return 'apple';
    } 
    else {
        return 'banana';
    }
}

console.log(choose());

Output

apple

Summary

For the error “SyntaxError: Illegal return statement” in JavaScript, you need to understand what you want your function to return so you can use return correctly. Using return indiscriminately poses a huge risk to your code, so be aware. Above are solutions to help you solve this error, good luck with your studies.

Maybe you are interested:

Related Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *