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How To Get Return Value From Switch Statement

Switch statements are a common feature in many programming languages, allowing developers to execute different blocks of code based on the value of an expression. While switch statements are great for handling multiple cases efficiently, one common challenge developers face is how to get a return value from a switch statement in languages where switch statements do not inherently return a value.

If you find yourself in a situation where you need to get a return value from a switch statement, there are a few strategies you can employ to achieve this. Let's walk through some techniques that can help you handle this scenario effectively.

One approach is to use a variable to store the return value within the switch statement. By initializing a variable before the switch statement and updating its value based on the different cases inside the switch block, you can effectively capture the return value. This way, when the switch statement completes, you can return the value stored in the variable.

Here's an example in JavaScript:

Javascript

function getGrade(score) {
    let grade;
    switch (true) {
        case score >= 90:
            grade = 'A';
            break;
        case score >= 80:
            grade = 'B';
            break;
        case score >= 70:
            grade = 'C';
            break;
        default:
            grade = 'F';
    }
    return grade;
}

In this example, the `grade` variable is used inside the switch statement to store the corresponding grade based on the input `score`. Once the switch statement completes, the function returns the final grade value stored in the `grade` variable.

Another technique involves using functions to encapsulate the logic within each case of the switch statement. By defining functions for each case and invoking them within the switch block, you can then return the result of the function calls to get the return value from the switch statement.

Consider the following Python example:

Python

def get_day_of_week(day_number):
    def monday():
        return 'Monday'
    
    def tuesday():
        return 'Tuesday'
    
    def default():
        return 'Invalid Day'

    switch_cases = {
        1: monday,
        2: tuesday
    }

    return switch_cases.get(day_number, default)()

In this Python function, different day names are returned depending on the input `day_number` by utilizing the functions defined for each case within the switch block. The return value is obtained by calling the corresponding function and returning its result.

By using these techniques of storing return values in variables within the switch statement or employing functions to encapsulate the logic, you can effectively obtain a return value from a switch statement in languages that do not directly support it. Experiment with these methods in your projects to see which approach works best for your specific scenario.

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