Methods with a Return Value

A method call can return a value, which can in turn be assigned to a variable in the method call. The variable must be of the same type as the return value.

aNumber = anArray.getAt(index);
//assign value from index position

anOffset = loader.resolve(true, 2.14);
//assign value for 2.14,
//calculate using characteristic

If a method has a return value, the method body must be terminated with a return statement. The return statement can be followed by any expression that evaluates to the return type of the method.

return in.between(ub, lb);
// returns a logical value

return intVar;
//returns the value of intVar

A method call can return only a single value. If more than one value is to be passed on between modules or objects, an object can be used to hold these values (see Structures).

Method calls cannot be nested in ESDL. The following statement is illegal:

loader.resolve(true, 2.14).sqrt();

It must be replaced with the following, legal statement:

aNumber = loader.resolve(true, 2.14);

aNumber.sqrt();