Can we have flexible return type for a function while declaring

Developers Language Support
#1

I want to return different data type depending on the input to a function.
Example:

func get(n: Int): __ {
if (n ==0) {
return 100;
}
else {
return “Test String”;
}
}

What type should we fill in the bracket?
Is there a way to mention the return type can be either Nat or Text or someotherthing

Thanks

#2

There’s an or type operator, but it would return the supertype, which in your case is Any I believe.

I don’t think there’s a way to specifically return a Nat or Text… I may be wrong…

1 Like
#3

Your function could return a tagged variant: https://smartcontracts.org/docs/candid-guide/candid-types.html#type-variant
See “Corresponding Motoko type” further down the page for an example.

2 Likes
#4

Ah yeah, this is the right approach. Can’t believe I forgot about that.

2 Likes
#5

For the viewers at home :slightly_smiling_face:

func get(n : Int) : { #nat : Nat; #text : Text; } {
  if (n == 0) {
    return #nat 100;
  } else {
    return #text "Test String";
  }
};
1 Like