How Does the Java Language Specification Define the Final Return Value for Functions with Multiple Return Statements?

Multiple Returns and Final Value Determination

A peculiar coding practice involves functions with multiple return statements, as exemplified in the code snippet below:

String test() {
    try {
        return "1";
    } finally {
        return "2";
    }
}

Given this construct, the question arises: Does the Java language specification (JLS) define the final return value consistently across all Java Virtual Machines (JVMs)?

According to the JLS, the precise value returned by a function with multiple return statements is explicitly specified. In the example provided, the return value is clearly defined to be "2." This means that if any JVM deviates from this specification, it is considered non-compliant with the JLS.

It's important to note that most compilers will issue a warning or error message regarding this unconventional practice. For instance, Eclipse will incorrectly flag that the return block will never be executed. Nevertheless, the JLS takes precedence over compiler warnings.

While the JLS dictates the return value of functions with multiple returns, it strongly discourages their use due to clarity and maintainability concerns. It is generally considered poor practice to rely on such constructs, and developers should aim for more straightforward and readable code.

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