Return inside loops in Go - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What happens when a return statement is executed inside a loop in Go?

The function immediately stops executing and returns the specified value, exiting the loop and the function at once.

beginner

Can code after a return inside a loop run?

No, once return runs, the function ends immediately, so any code after it inside the loop or function does not run.

intermediate

Why might you use return inside a loop in Go?

To stop the function early when a condition is met, like finding a value or an error, avoiding unnecessary work.

beginner

Example: What does this Go code print?

func findEven(nums []int) int {
  for _, n := range nums {
    if n%2 == 0 {
      return n
    }
  }
  return -1
}

It returns the first even number found in the slice. If none found, it returns -1.

intermediate

Is it good practice to use return inside loops in Go?

Yes, it is common and clear to return early from a function inside a loop when you have the result you want.

What happens when a return is executed inside a loop in Go?

A Only the current loop iteration stops.

B The function exits immediately, stopping the loop.

C The loop continues but the function pauses.

D The loop restarts from the beginning.

In Go, return immediately ends the function, so the loop and function stop.

Can code after a return inside a loop run?

A Yes, always.

B Only if inside another loop.

C No, never.

D Only if inside a conditional.

Once return runs, the function ends immediately, so no further code runs.

Why use return inside a loop?

A To skip the current iteration.

B To restart the loop.

C To pause the function.

D To exit the function early when a condition is met.

Using return inside a loop lets you stop the function early when you find what you need.

What does this code return?

for i := 0; i < 5; i++ {
  if i == 3 {
    return i
  }
}

A 3

B Loop runs forever

C 5

D 0

When i equals 3, the function returns 3 and stops.

Is it okay to use return inside loops in Go?

A Yes, it is common and clear.

B No, it causes errors.

C Only in special cases.

D Only outside functions.

Returning inside loops is a common way to exit functions early in Go.

Explain what happens when a return statement is used inside a loop in Go.

Think about what happens to the function and loop when return runs.

Describe a situation where using return inside a loop is helpful in Go programming.

When might you want to stop searching or processing early?