Multiple return statements in Java

Question

I have a code which contains multiple returns statements. I want to know, does the language specifications define the return value of a call to any function containing multiple returns. In my system it's returning 2, is it same for all the JVMs or is it JVM dependent.

My code is:

String demo() {
    try {
        return "1";
    } finally {
        return "2";
    }
}

Answer 1

Yes, you have guessed it right. Language specifications do define the result of the multiple return statement. If your virtual machine does it differently, then it's not a spec-compliant.

Generally, when you try to execute this program, compilers will throw an exception, but still, you can execute it. But, this is against the norms of coding standards, so I would suggest you refrain such kind of coding practice.