Java "add return statement" error

Question

public class1 foo ( class1 t)
{
    if ( object == null ) return t;
    else foo(t.childObject);
}

Java keeps telling me that there is no return statement. I can understand what is wrong here, but I cannot fix it without removing the recursion, which I really need. Is there any way to bypass this error?

What _reiteration_? You mean the recursion? Why would it break it? — Sotirios Delimanolis, Jun 08 '15 at 16:08
Sorry , I meant recursion, you are right. Bad translation. I said I cannot fix it without breaking it, meaning I cannot find any solutions while keeping the recursion. What do you have in mind ? — Alkiviadis95, Jun 08 '15 at 16:10
How would you fix it _while breaking it_? Why would that break it? — Sotirios Delimanolis, Jun 08 '15 at 16:11

score 7 · Accepted Answer · answered Jun 08 '15 at 16:09

7

You need a return in the else case.

public class1 foo ( class1 t)
{
    if ( object == null ) return t;
    else return foo(t.childObject);
}

answered Jun 08 '15 at 16:09

Bill the Lizard

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Thank you, the error appears to be gone. Let's hope this resolves my problem regarding its logical continuity. – Alkiviadis95 Jun 08 '15 at 16:12

Java "add return statement" error

1 Answers1