C# Return Values

Return Values

In the previous page, we used the void keyword in all examples, which indicates that the method should not return a value.

If you want the method to return a value, you can use a primitive data type (such as int or double) instead of void, and use the return keyword inside the method:

static int MyMethod(int x) 
{
  return 5 + x;
}

static void Main(string[] args)
{
  Console.WriteLine(MyMethod(3));
}

// Outputs 8 (5 + 3)

This example returns the sum of a method's two parameters:

static int MyMethod(int x, int y) 
{
  return x + y;
}

static void Main(string[] args)
{
  Console.WriteLine(MyMethod(5, 3));
}

// Outputs 8 (5 + 3)

You can also store the result in a variable (recommended, as it is easier to read and maintain):

static int MyMethod(int x, int y) 
{
  return x + y;
}

static void Main(string[] args)
{
  int z = MyMethod(5, 3);
  Console.WriteLine(z);
}

// Outputs 8 (5 + 3)