Returning multiple values in JavaScript

Returning multiple values in JavaScript

It is not possible to return multiple values in JavaScript. The solution is to return an array or, in EC6, destructuring assignments.

// ⛔️ this is not possible in JavaScript
let treeAges = function () {
  const oak = 8;
  const maple = 12;
  return oak, maple;
};

Return an array

You can return an array with your values.

// 👇️ return an array
function getValues() {
  return [getFirstValue(), getSecondValue()];
}

// 👇️ access the values
const values = getValues();
const firstValue = values[0];
const secondValue = values[1];

Return an object

The destructuring assignment syntax in EC6 is a JavaScript expression that makes it possible to unpack values from arrays, or properties from objects, into distinct variables.

const [first, second] = getValues();

We can also "label" each of the return values by returning an object. We can then reference each value by its name rather than its index.

// 👇️ create a 'labeled' object
function getValues() {
  return {
    first: getFirstValue(),
    second: getSecondValue(),
  };
}

// 👇️ access the values
const values = getValues();
const first = values.first;
const second = values.second;

// 👇️ access the values using ES6 syntax
const { first, second } = getValues();

Conclusion

It is not possible to return multiple values in JavaScript. The solution is to return an array or, in EC6, destructuring assignments.