function appendToLI has no return statement

Question

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?

Steven Parker · Accepted Answer

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.

Doron Geyer · Answer

@Trevor Maltbie (https://teamtreehouse.com/trevormaltbie)  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.

Welcome to the Treehouse Community

Looking to learn something new?

Trevor Maltbie

Trevor Maltbie

function appendToLI has no return statement

2 Answers

Steven Parker

Steven Parker

Trevor Maltbie

Trevor Maltbie

Steven Parker

Steven Parker

Doron Geyer

Doron Geyer