c# - An expression that's equivalent to the return keyword -

void foo() {     var xmaybenull = getx();     if (xmabyenull == null) return; // way rid of                                     // sentence without loosing check     // stuff } 

the easy way this, compiler expects expression.

void foo() {     list<disc[,]> xnevernull = getx() ?? return;     // stuff } 

the question is, there way write somesortofreturnexpression (i guess not) or solution, can i'm looking on 1 line?

void foo() {     list<disc[,]> xnevernull = getx() ?? somesortofreturnexpression;     // stuff } 

this isn't possible envisioned in c# because of non-"functional syntax". (please see notes @ bottom). while conditional operator (?:) can used in trivial places, runs limits. and, others have pointed out, coalesce operator (??) carries forward expression, doesn't support "else" case. c# functions must use conventions achieve similar semantics. following discusses approach problem.

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with few exceptions, i not use returns functions. while c# doesn't have "functional syntax", still find style of code reads start of function end of function clear -- is, last statement of last level of branches (possibly nested) can return function, though conditional (if/else if/else) expression (like ?:) returned value. (if there many branches, may sign function large.)

in cases write code following:

void foo() {     var xmaybenull = getx();       if (xmabyenull != null) {         // know it's valid use xmaybenull in here -- can't null.         // "do stuff"     }     // xmaybenull may null here. don't put here     // requires otherwise. in case flow "drop off"     // `return` omitted. } 

since follow pattern consistently helps me read/understand code , flow better. approach avoids "being tricky" , extend handle "null case" adding else end. keeping assignment first , separate keeps code simpler , allows use of var, find nice.

happy coding.

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the 1 case push condition , function exit raised exceptions in guards...

if (argx == null) throw new argumentnullexception("argx"); 

...but such nature of exceptions.

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actually, can done extension methods in manner similar smalltalk. however, in case, introduce more complications. don't keep cleverness goggles on long. imagine:

public static void ifnotnull<t>(this t it, action<t> action) {     if (it != null) action(it); }  getx().ifnotnull((x) => {     // "do stuff", x can't null });