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JavaScript DOM Scripting By Example Improving the Application Code Refactor 1: Create List Items

Trevor Maltbie
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Trevor Maltbie
Full Stack JavaScript Techdegree Graduate 17,021 Points
Posted by Trevor Maltbie
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Trevor Maltbie
Full Stack JavaScript Techdegree Graduate 17,021 Points

function appendToLI has no return statement

function appendToLI(elementName, property, value) {
   const element = createElement(elementName, property, value);
   li.appendChild(element);
  };

I'm wondering why there is no return statement in this function. Is it because li.appendChild(element); is already a working value? 

function createElement (elementName, property, value) {
   const element = document.createElement(elementName);
   element[property] = value;
   return element;
  }

we must include "return element;" because otherwise there is no value?

2 Answers

Steven Parker
Steven Parker
231,264 Points
Steven Parker
Steven Parker
231,264 Points

A "return" statement at the end of the function can be omitted when the function does not return any value, as is the case with "appendToLi".

On the other hand, "return" is necessary to make the function return a value.

Steven Parker
Steven Parker
231,264 Points
Steven Parker
Steven Parker
231,264 Points

Some functions just do a job (like "appendToLi") and don't need to return a value.

Doron Geyer
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Doron Geyer
Full Stack JavaScript Techdegree Student 13,897 Points
Doron Geyer
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Doron Geyer
Full Stack JavaScript Techdegree Student 13,897 Points

Trevor Maltbie it may be easier for you to think of it in real world terms. A function without a return statement in pseudo code:

pick up this item and deliver it to the store 
// the function ends as soon as it has delivered the item there is nothing further it needs to do

function with return statement in pseudo code 

pick up this item and deliver it to the store
let me know when youve done it ( return task completed)
// in this case you want it to return a value to let you know the task has been completed.

its as simple as that either the function needs to complete a task in this case appendToLI has a task to do and doesnt need to provide you with further information to use elsewhere. Or it needs to complete a task and provide you with information to use elsewhere which is your "returned" bit.