E07400: returning variable and type missing

What went wrong

A function or method that should return a value doesn't have a return declaration.

Worked examples

Compilable examples demonstrating this error and the correct fix:

• ek9 -q 1319 (Why does EK9 reject an operator that takes a parameter...)

How to fix it

1. Add return declaration
2. Or ensure calling code doesn't expect return if void

Common causes

• Forgot to add return variable
• Copy from void function

See also

• E07400: missing return declaration (this error)
• E07405: control structure as expression without return

Examples

Every example is compiled by the EK9 compiler: the first fails exactly as captioned, the others fix it.

Fails with E07400: returning variable and type missing

#!ek9
defines module error.e07400.bad

  defines class

    Counter
      count <- 0

      //'!' produces a value, so it must declare what it returns
      default operator ?

      operator ! as pure
        total <- count
        require total?

Fixed: Declare the returning variable

#!ek9
defines module error.e07400.good

  defines class

    Counter
      count <- 0

      default operator ?

      operator ! as pure
        <- rtn as Integer: count

Questions and answers

These Q&A entries show E07400 and its fix:

• Q779: Why must certain operators return a value in EK9?
• Q1319: Why does EK9 reject an operator that takes a parameter but has no return declaration?