This rule is part of MISRA C++:2023.
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Rule 9.6.5 - A function with non-void return type shall return a value on all paths
[stmt.return]
Category: Required
Analysis: Decidable,Single Translation Unit
Amplification
The compound statement of a lambda expression with a non-void return type is also considered to be a function covered by this
rule.
A return is not required after an explicit throw or after calling a function marked [[noreturn]].
This rule does not apply to main, as it implicitly returns 0 if an exit path does not explicitly return a value.
Note: flowing off the end of a function body, except within main, is equivalent to a return with no
operand.
Rationale
The operand to return gives the value that the function returns. The absence of a return with an operand in an execution
path through a function with a non-void return type results in undefined behaviour.
Example
int32_t fn1() // Non-compliant
{
// No return
}
int32_t fn2( int32_t x ) // Compliant
{
if ( x > 100 )
{
throw 42; // Exiting via an exception
}
else
{
return x; // Value returned on other path
}
}
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