--- description: "Learn more about: return Statement (C++)" title: "return Statement (C++)" ms.date: "11/04/2016" f1_keywords: ["return_cpp"] helpviewer_keywords: ["return keyword [C++], syntax", "return keyword [C++]"] ms.assetid: a498903a-056a-4df0-a6cf-72f633a62210 --- # return Statement (C++) Terminates the execution of a function and returns control to the calling function (or to the operating system if you transfer control from the `main` function). Execution resumes in the calling function at the point immediately following the call. ## Syntax ``` return [expression]; ``` ## Remarks The `expression` clause, if present, is converted to the type specified in the function declaration, as if an initialization were being performed. Conversion from the type of the expression to the **`return`** type of the function can create temporary objects. For more information about how and when temporaries are created, see [Temporary Objects](../cpp/temporary-objects.md). The value of the `expression` clause is returned to the calling function. If the expression is omitted, the return value of the function is undefined. Constructors and destructors, and functions of type **`void`**,cannot specify an expression in the **`return`** statement. Functions of all other types must specify an expression in the **`return`** statement. When the flow of control exits the block enclosing the function definition, the result is the same as it would be if a **`return`** statement without an expression had been executed. This is invalid for functions that are declared as returning a value. A function can have any number of **`return`** statements. The following example uses an expression with a **`return`** statement to obtain the largest of two integers. ## Example ```cpp // return_statement2.cpp #include int max ( int a, int b ) { return ( a > b ? a : b ); } int main() { int nOne = 5; int nTwo = 7; printf_s("\n%d is bigger\n", max( nOne, nTwo )); } ``` ## See also [Jump Statements](../cpp/jump-statements-cpp.md)
[Keywords](../cpp/keywords-cpp.md)